After a very long time, so much so that Pei Rumo assumed that Bai Luochu was still emotionally moved by his words, she finally said something, “Alright, I will agree to your condition. But...”
Pei Rumo had already heaved a sigh of relief when he heard her agreement. However, his heart dropped when she reached the second part of her sentence.
“Your First Highnessmade a mistake. I do not belong together with anyone. Since the moment I woke up in the Bestial Battle Arena, I knew that the proper way to walk down my path was to do it alone. I will never be a Chinese Trumpet Vine that climbs up with the help of a tall mountain. The only thing I’ll be is a tenacious Cattail at the side of the river.” Bai Luochu looked exhausted after pouring her heart out.
Pei Rumo seemed like he wanted to say something but Bai Luochu interrupted him, “The tea and snacks in this teahouse are amazing. I hope Your First Highness will enjoy them while I take my leave.”
“Time will prove everything. Luo Chu, just wait and see. The most suitable person to help you accomplish your ambition... is me.” It seemed like Pei Rumo had not given up yet as he followed up with another statement.
“We’ll cross the bridge when we get there.” Bai Luochu wasn’t about to give in.
When Pei Rumo saw that Bai Luochu was still composed and indifferent, he felt that she didn’t appreciate his kindness. “I am not the only one who planted secret guards outside your residence! You should know the other person who did. Will you be treating him the same as me?”
Bai Luochu paused after hearing the statement. She obviously knew that the people stationed outside the general’s residence weren’t all from the First Prince’s residence. However, she had not thought of a proper method to deal with Pei Qingfeng’s men. In her heart, she owed him her life.
“I thank Your First Highness for your consideration. I will deal with the matter however I see fit.” Bai Luochu didn’t bother turning around as she left the teahouse.
When Pei Rumo saw how Bai Luochu left without turning back, the cake in his mouth turned a little bitter. It seemed as though there was a gap between Pei Qingfeng and himself. It was possible that Luo Chu didn’t notice that she was treating Pei Qingfeng differently from everyone else.
As soon as Bai Luochu walked out of the High Leisure Pavilion, she noticed the Phoenix King Valley Elder’s trail. He was carrying his bags as he rushed out of the city.
Bai Luochu felt that something suspicious was going on and thought that there was no way he would run away with his tails between his legs. Since she was going to return to the general’s residence, she would need to use the tunnel at the Remote Paddy Inn. It was the perfect time to discuss the elder’s behavior with Ying Lan.
“Guess who I just saw?” Bai Luochu sat in Ying Lan’s study room and built up a scene of suspense.
Bai Luochu was shocked. “How did you know? Are you following me around?”
Ying Lan’s eyes opened wide after hearing Bai Luochu’s response, “What did you say, Mistress? Did you really encounter the Phoenix King Valley Elder? Did he say anything to you?”
Bai Luochu felt it was funny to see her secret guard so anxious. She immediately teased Ying Lan, “Oh my, why are you so anxious? It sounds as though the Phoenix King Valley Elder is your daughter-in-law who had yet to marry over. Is there a need to be so nervous? Do you think I’ll be able to drink tea with you if I had met with trouble?”
Ying Lan thought about it and felt that her words were logical. He quickly asked Bai Luochu, “Did Mistress really see him?”
“When I exited the High Leisure Pavilion, I saw him running down the street. He seemed rather strange though. He looked like he was in a hurry as he carried his bags and ran away. Didn’t we rob him? Why is he the one running away?” Bai Luochu spoke of the suspicion in her heart.
After hearing Bai Luochu’s description, Ying Lan stayed silent and said a single statement after a period of time, “Our men are watching him closely and if he is really running back to the valley, our informants should be coming back to make a report.”
Shortly after Ying Lan spoke, a member of the Palace of Brilliance Resurgence arrived at the study room.
“Palace Master, Divine Physician Bai, this subordinate has something important to report.” Bai Luochu didn’t say anything and turned to look at Ying Lan.
Ying Lan nodded as an indication for that person to speak, “Is there news about the Phoenix King Valley Elder? If there is, spill it.”
Bai Luochu knew that this was the spy sent out by Ying Lan to watch the Phoenix King Valley Elder.
When that person obtained Ying Lan’s order, he immediately reported, “Palace Master, this subordinate saved myself from embarrassment. This subordinate has been following the Phoenix King Valley Elder for a long time and he has been cowering like a tortoise without appearing. Today, this subordinate noticed that he was leaving the city in a hurry. It seemed he was heading in the direction of the Phoenix King Valley.”
“He just left?” Ying Lan muttered softly. When he was pondering over the implications of the elder leaving, he recalled that his subordinate was still standing there. He immediately praised, “You have done well. Return to the Palace of Brilliance Resurgence to take a break. You have suffered these days.”
That person acknowledged his orders and was preparing to leave. But Bai Luochu stopped him and stuffed a spirit medicine in his hand.
“Take this, consider it as a reward for your hard work. This elixir is for firming the fundamentals and nurturing the spirit. I noticed that you are on the brink of a breakthrough. Ingesting this medicine will not affect your future cultivation.”
After hearing Bai Luochu’s explanation, the subordinate thanked Bai Luochu repeatedly and only left after Ying Lan gave the word.
“Mistress, what do you think is happening in the Phoenix King Valley?” Ying Lan had no idea what was going on and he could only ask Bai Luochu.