CH 16

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“It is her?!”

That strange mysterious woman who appeared inside the rainforest.

She was also flowing in the water. Could it be that she was one of the rebels? Or was it like Han Shu said, she was the rebels’ head’s mistress? Gu Yun’s eyes firmly locked on her. That woman seemed to be sensitive to her gaze and quickly looked in Gu Yun’s direction. Their gazes encountered, and their eyes locked in a fierce glare.

The beauty’s face showed a calm and cold expression, not revealing the slightest panic and just steady chill filled with murderous intention. In the waves, her body moved with agility and her action were ‘neat’. Everything around her seemed to be within her reach. Gu Yun was sure, such a unique woman was not an easy opponent. However, she couldn’t just let her escape like this.

Looking down at the current, the torrent had passed and the water depth was less than two meters. The current was gradually slowing down. Her swimming skill was not bad; she should be able to travel through. Looking at the woman’s speed from upstream, Gu Yun would be just in time to encounter her.

After doing an assessment in her mind, Gu Yun concluded that the action was feasible. With Bing Lian hanging on her waist, she was ready to jump into the water. Her feet were yet to take off when someone put pressure on her shoulder. Su Ling growled beside her, “What are you doing?”

“Let me go! I cannot let the woman run away.” Gu Yun wanted to push Su Ling’s hand; since his strength was big, she couldn’t move. Yet, she didn’t have time to properly explain the situation. If she didn’t go now, it would be too late to block the woman!

Su Ling followed Gu Yun’s eyes direction. Easily, he noted the green figure in the water. It was a slender dazzling woman with cold temperament. She must be the mysterious person who Qing Mo encountered in the forest. Su Ling’s eagle eyes carefully observed. Just as Gu Yun was impatient, she felt her shoulder was lightly tapped. Once again, she heard Su Ling saying, “I will do it.”

Not waiting for Gu Yun’s reply, Su Ling flew. A tall dark red figure passed in front of Gu Yun’s eyes, making her regain her thought: He had a wound on his shoulder, he could not be soaked!

At first, Gu Yun’s heart was put high up to the sky. The next moment, it fell down to the ground. She felt like an idiot. Unlike her, that person knew Qinggong. If it was her, she would dive into the water to intercept the green figure. Using a big tree in the forest as footing/springboard, within several jumps, Su Ling had reached the big trunk above the woman in green.

Proudly standing on the branch, Su Ling who wore a dark red attire shone by the sunlight through the leaves. It showed his hard expressionless face and cold dark eyes which could scare ordinary people away. That woman’s heart tightened, it had been 5 years, and finally, they meet again.

The woman also didn’t look at Su Ling anymore. Her eyes flashed. For him, she was just a hostage/prisoner! If that was the case, she wouldn’t act according to her emotions. Anyway, she could only be his enemy!

The woman indifferently stood there. The soldiers behind her stepped forward, wanting to tie her. Her eyes darkened.

“Be careful!” Gu Yun who had been keeping an eye on her immediately took out Bing Lian and stood in front of the two soldiers. The icy aura emitted from Bing Lian made the soldiers subconsciously take a big step back. At the same time, the green ribbon on the woman’s hand suddenly moved. An emerald green snake widely opened its black mouth and struck where the soldiers stood before. The hissing sound made people cringe. The two soldiers’ eyes were wide, they stood frozen.

“It was so close! If the madam hadn’t stopped it, they would definitely get bitten by the snake. The snake’s skin was so bright and its mouth was completely dark. It must be a highly toxic snake!  They didn’t think this ordinary weak woman brought such a toxic animal on her!

The soldiers’ heart trembled with fear. However, they couldn’t let the prisoner escape. They braved themselves. Seven-eight soldiers got ready to attack together. Gu Yun’s hand which held Bing Lian stopped them. This was because the woman had taken off her snakeskin whip. If she was not wrong, that was the whip that could withstand Bing Lian’s power.

Gu Yun tightened her grip on Bing Lian, slowly walking towards the woman’s and standing in front of her. Gu Yun just noticed when the woman looked at the cart full of fuel and Sulphur, there was a flash of panic on her face.

“You were with Wu Ji and Yan Ge.” Gu Yun didn’t ask the question and merely stated the truth. The woman’s face restored to normal. She shot a cold glare at Gu Yun. The whip on her hand already struck to the direction of Gu Yun’s face.

Gu Yun had expected she would attack, hence, when she took out the whip, Gu Yun quickly jumped to the front. The long whip didn’t get Gu Yun, but it was deeply embedded in the mud. The depth was over a foot!

When the woman suddenly whipped, everyone else except Gu Yun was surprised. The woman took advantages of everyone’s shocking state to leave. The figure ran quickly. When Su Ling heard an abnormal sound behind him, he turned around, only to find that the weak green figure from before once more jumped into the water. It was followed by another black figure with a cheetah-like speed.

Su Ling’s heart stifled. The water current had been weak, they would soon launch the second attack now. Therefore, he couldn’t leave this time. The woman in green had quite good martial arts. In addition, she was also cunning. Would she (Gu Yun) be able to handle it? His hand stroked Chi Xue on his waist. The warmness of the sword settled his heart a little bit. Fortunately, there was Bing Lian, accompanying her. She should be alright.

In the weak current, both females were struggling to swim. Gu Yun didn’t want to let her go while the woman desperately wanted to get rid of her. However, all the way down, Gu Yun still followed the woman closely behind.

After being rushed through 3-4 miles, both females finally could stand up in the knee-deep water. Their wet clothes clutched onto their bodies. Both females seemed very awkward. However, one proudly stood with a long whip as her weapon, while the other held a long sword stood on the opposite side. Both eyes were full of murderous aura. No one really cared for their appearance at this moment.

The water gradually lowered to an ankle-level. Gu Yun gently took her sword out of its scabbard. As Bing Lian was revealed, there was accompanying ice chilled muffled sound. Gu Yun smiled. “We didn’t decide the winner last time is. How about we decide the outcome today?”

Gu Yun could be sure, this woman was connected to the rebels. Catching her wouldn’t be easy, but she (Gu Yun) could, at least, delay her! Furthermore, aside for Chi Xue, this was the first time she found a weapon who withstood Bing Lian’s power. How could she not be interested with this long snakeskin whip?

The woman’s eyes stared at Gu Yun’s face for quite a while. Her expression was complex.  At last, the peach-flower-colored lips were slightly raised. Her hand gently whip the ground, spraying the muddy water.

Want to compete? She would, of course, accept the challenge. She also would like to see how different Su Ling’s wife is.

Gu Yun found the same interest/intention in the woman’s eyes. There was no time for pause, Gu Yun clenched Bing Lian and attacked first. As Gu Yun approached, the woman felt a surge of cold air blowing in front of her, she almost couldn’t cope. The snake on her wrist slithered over to her neck, gently snuggled inside her collar. A warmness flowed through four of her limbs. Although her body temperature was still low, the woman felt a lot better.

Holding onto her long whip, the woman lashed back. Once again, the sword and the whip intertwined. However, at this time, Gu Yun didn’t hesitate to turn over her sword blade. A light was emitted due to the friction. The whip was forced to loosen, Gu Yun stroke Bing Lian towards the woman’s chest.

Their distance was really close; it was too late for the woman to whip her lash. She wanted to move aside to evade the attack, but Gu Yun was one step faster than her. With the sword in its sight, the snake on the woman’s neck flew to Bing Lian, tightly wrapping around Bing Lian. Gu Yun suddenly felt a great force was pulling her. She couldn’t hold onto to Bing Lian. The sword flew out towards the side, straightly into/onto the ground.

Gu Yun no longer had a sword on her yet the woman still had the whip. Within a second, their situation was reversed, making Gu Yun at a disadvantage position. The woman took this opportunity to whip. Gu Yun was in a tight position and with difficulties, evaded the attack. She thought the woman would double her strength to win over Gu Yun. Who knew? The woman just silently stared at her and tossed her whip. The whip was hanged onto the nearby tree. She bare-handedly faced Gu Yun.  

Gu Yun was surprised. Did the woman want to compete with her unarmed?

It looked like she was a well-mannered person and didn’t want to take advantages over the situation. Gu Yun’s impression of her improved. At this time, Bing Lian who had been able to disentangle itself from the small snake flew onto Gu Yun’s hand again.

Gu Yun smiled and naturally put Bing Lian on the ground too.

Gu Yun also bare-handedly faced the woman. It had been a long time since she fought with someone barehanded. Today, she would be able to fight till she was satisfied!

The two stared at each other, finding a mutual respect and excitement in the opponent’s eyes. Slowly, they walked closer. The moment their fist could reach out, they simultaneously attacked.

The woman fist changed into straight palm. The slender fingers glided towards Gu Yun’s eyes. Fortunately, Gu Yun was able to move fast and escaped the woman’s attack. Gu Yun single-handedly grabbed the woman’s wrist while her other hand went through the woman’s armpit straight, grabbing the belt. She lowered herself a little bit, lifted the woman over her shoulder and threw mercilessly the woman onto the ground.

The woman just started to feel her waist and wrist were grabbed and didn’t have time to respond when her body was suddenly thrown! Rolling on the ground, the woman quickly stood up. The woman secretly wondered what kind of movement was that.

Gu Yun didn’t let the woman have a chance to recuperate. She attacked again.

The close-range fighting was Gu Yun’s forte. Her moves were quick and efficient. Her every move was designed to defeat her opponent. The woman punched a few times in a row. Originally, she was intended to observe Gu Yun’s movement before fully engaging. However, looking at this circumstances, if she didn’t use her might to fight, she would be seriously injured before she could clearly analyze Gu Yun’s movements.

The woman’s qing gong was really good and her actions were smooth and elegant. Gu Yun had always thought that this kind of attack was only beautiful/artistic, but did not have practical effort. However, after fighting with the woman, she just realized she had been wrong. The woman moved elegantly and lightly, it appeared like gentle movements, the long leg lifted. However, they held extraordinary power. Just like taichi, slow but continuous attack. She was really not an easy opponent!

Gu Yun used Jeet Kune Do to attack. Her every move was packed and targeted to most vulnerable places. The woman was agile but her breath was still stable. After many attacks, the fight became more and more exciting. However, their physical strengths were becoming depleted over the time.

The woman once again punched towards Gu Yun’s chest. Gu Yun seized the opportunities, wanting to throw her over the shoulder. When her hand was on the woman’s belt, the woman was already alert quickly dodged and grabbed Gu Yun’s belt. As the result, Gu Yun was using her strength to fall, making both women fall onto the ground.

Experiencing this falling, no one was better than the other. In order not to let the opponent take an advantage, the women let each other go at the same time. Their heels towards each other’s stomach, kicking fiercely.

The strong force made the women fly three feet away to opposite sides.

Rubbing their stomach, the two were tiredly collapsed onto the ground. They were breathing heavily but still alert of the opponent’s movement. Not far from them …

The small green snake moved to the left, Bing Lian also moved to the left, directly stopping the snake from the left side. When the small snake moved right, Bing Lian also flew to the right (not in kind of dancing move, you get what I mean right?). When the snake didn’t move, Bing Lian also didn’t spare it, moving forward to attack the opponent head The small green snake was angry and opened its mouth, spitting the venom out. Bing Lian retreated back a little, waiting for the snake to calm down. Bing Lian quickly attacked again. A snake and a sword were fighting against each other.

The two women who were watching, couldn’t help but smile. The atmosphere was becoming less tense. The woman smiled really beautifully. Although it was just slight raised lips, it was enough to mesmerize people.

“You, what is your name?” Gu Yun suddenly wanted to know her name. Even though her identity was still unclear and even if they could not become friends, she still wanted to know.

The woman’s smile stiffened and she suddenly put up her guard. At this time, the mountain was on fire again at a distance. The black and heavy smoke filled the sky. The woman’s face was becoming as dark as the sky, making people unable to guess her thoughts.

Suddenly, she jumped and took the whip which was hanging on a tree branch. She whistled once and a touch of green fluorescent flashed over there. The snake which was fooling around with Bing Lian just before was already back to her hand. She quickly ran towards the stream not far from there.

“Hey!” Everything happened in a flash of light. Gu Yun also quickly got up, pursuing her hotly. The woman ran to the edge of the river and without hesitation rushing into the fast current water. The green figure quickly disappeared into the waves.

Gu Yun pursued to the riverside. Unlike before, she didn’t jump into the water. The water current was fast. Her swimming skill was not enough to pursue the enemy in this kind of conditions. At that time, she might not only unable to get the person, she might also lose her life. She wouldn’t do this kind of battle with so much uncertainty.

Her pair of arms was folded in front of her chest. Gu Yun stared at the water direction for a long time and still didn’t see the green figure.

Bing Lian also joined the fun by flying in front of Gu Yun, shaking with excitement. Gu Yun didn’t look at it and just said, “You really enjoyed the play before”.

Her words were just finished. Bing Lian stiffened its entire body, straightly stayed in the mud near Gu Yun’s feet, not daring to move.

Gu Yun laughed. Didn’t people say Bing Lian was a thousand-year-old sword? How could it behave so childishly!

Gu Yun turned back and gradually she could see the light which was emitting from the fire. However, that big flood before and this humidity had made the trees and soil wet. Although the fire could be ignited, but it wasn’t big so the smoke couldn’t be that big. Seeing things in front of her, it seemed like the fuel and Sulphur almost ran out, yet they only burned several places. Thousands of soldiers were moving with alertness to their surroundings, who knew if as the fire slowed down, the rebels would start an attack. They moved towards the hideout, trying to surround the area.

Squinting her eyes to see further, Gu Yun couldn’t see Su Ling’s figure and only saw Leng Xiao and Luo Yan at the right and left of the march, commanding the slowly advancing soldiers.

Gu Yun went behind Leng Xiao and asked, “Where are Su Ling and Yu Shi Jun?”

Leng Xiao turned around, looking at Gu Yun clearly. Besides feeling a little bit awkward, her body didn’t seem to be injured. Then, he replied, “The General Su guessed that their hideout should not be very far from where the flood came from. He was afraid that once the rebels looked at the fire, they will jump into the water and escape. Therefore, he and Lieutenant Yu first moved forward with 5,000 soldiers to the hideout.

Gu Yun understandingly nodded. She suddenly had a strong interest in this rebel’s leader. If the woman-in-green was his woman, what kind of person was he that he could conquer a strong intelligent woman? If he was just the woman-in-green’s leader, what kind of charm he had so he could let a proud and courageous woman to work under him?

Eager to know the answer, Gu Yun also rushed to the direction of the hideout.

Following the stream for about 4-5 miles, Gu Yun could hear the sound of fighting. Gu Yun’s heart trembled with excitement and she increased her pace. She originally expected to see a fierce and brilliant fight. However, the sight in front of her made her doubt.

In the dense forest, there were several natural caves, which were good places to live. Just when Gu Yun arrived, the battle had actually ended!

In front of the cave, several hundreds of rebels had been brought under control. Yu Shi Jun was arranging the soldiers to tie them together with a rope, to prevent one from escaping during their way back. Su Ling’s big tall figure stood in front of the biggest cave. There was no trace of joy on his face. It seemed like he was in a deep thought. Gu Yun didn’t go there, but he seemed to somewhat feel it and looked at Gu Yun’s direction.

“I’ve let her escape.” Explaining it faintly with one sentence, Gu Yun didn’t say anything again. All of a sudden, a flash came from the cave’s inside, it was a shadow. Gu Yun shouted, “Who!”

When she spoke, Gu Yun’s figure had begun to run towards the shadow. Su Ling also immediately followed.

One red and one white, two swords pressed forward to the dark figure. The dark figure was forced to pause. Seeing the person’s movement and skill, his martial arts shouldn’t be weak, but he still wouldn’t be able to hide from the swords’ attack. The two people tacitly removed their sword at the same time. Although the sword was removed from his body, the man-in-black still felt the strength of the swords. One left one right, one hot like a flame one cold like an ice block, but both were ready to attack him from either side. Swallowing his saliva, the man-in-black suddenly spewed blood.

At this time, Yu Shi Jun also brought hundreds of soldiers there. Gu Yun and Su Ling silently put down their swords. Yu Shi Jun could handle this person.

Just as Yu Shi Jun went to capture the person, a gray-blue figure suddenly flew from the side of the forest. His hand was holding a sword, pointing at Yu Shi Jun. He shouted, “Leader! Quickly go!”

Leader? Gu Yun slightly frowned. This man-in-black was the leader?

Yu Shi Jun barely escaped the sword. He holding a machete, he greeted the man’s attack. The martial arts of the two were comparable. It was hard to tell who was going to win. The man-in-black suffered internal injuries. He held down to his chest and breathlessly urged, “Left Shi, quickly go!”

“This subject will never leave you behind to escape alone!” The man wanted to get closer to the man-in-black, but he kept being stopped by Yu Shi Jun. The man was anxious, his attacks were also becoming disorganized. Very quickly, Yu Shi Jun found a weakness and attacked. The sword on the man’s hand broke. Without a weapon, the man was at a disadvantage and was captured by the soldiers.

Yu Shi Jun took his machete back and asked, “Who are you?”

The man icily replied, “Walking didn’t change your name, Sitting didn’t change your surname (行不改名坐不改姓, one of the proverbs, don’t know what the hell is the meaning any suggestion?)… Yu Xiang.”

Gu Yun swept a glance over the man. His appearance was really normal, but his eyes were flashing cunningly from time to time. This man was surely crafty.

The man-in-black had been tied with a rope. Gu Yun strode forward grabbed the man’s face that was obscured by the black gown, a face full of arrogance was presented before everyone. The man was about 30 years old. His face was square and his eyes were tiger-like. He was tall and strong. Facing them, he was considerably calm, and his arrogance was not bad. Yet, Gu Yun felt something was wrong. At the very least, he was different than what Gu Yun imagined! Night raids, kidnapping Han Shu, meeting at Crow’s valley, and the water dam ideas came from this man in front of her?

Gu Yun’s clear eyes slightly narrowed. Gu Yun coldly asked, “You are their leader?”

The man tilted his head and replied, “Winner takes all and loser takes nothing. Getting captured by you guys today, I, Mu Cang did not have anything to say!”

He escaped her questioning and eagerly emphasize on his identity. Gu Yun suspicions gradually increased.

“General, most of the rebels escaped into the water and we were only able to catch 500 people.” When they finished counting the rebels, Yu Shi Jun also had some doubts. This battle was too easy. After the flood, he thought that he was going to get more resistance as he came to the hideout. He didn’t think it was going to be this easy.

Su Ling apparently also felt something was wrong and he asked, “Where is that unbeatably flirtatious man in blue?” That man’s arrogance was incomparable. His position in this hideout should not be too low. He always thought that Wu Ji and Yan Ge was this rebel’s Right and Left Shis. However, today Yu Xiang suddenly emerged.

Yu Shi Jun shook his head, “We didn’t find that man.”

Was this the rebels’ leader set up? Su Ling and Gu Yun thought about it at the same time. A small soldier suddenly rushed to the front and reported, “Reporting! Commander and Vanguard had found the gold. Now, they are bringing it down. In addition, they also caught the rebels’ Right Shi … Wu Ji.”

Caught Wu Ji?!

Regardless whether the man in front of them was the leader or not, they, at least, caught one main character. Su Ling gently raised his hand and commanded, “Escort the person back.”

“Yes.”

The troop went down from the mountain.

Seven miles from the mountain. An aloof arrogant figure was silently observing the gradually diminishing fire. Behind him, there was a man who wore an eye-catching blue attire impatiently said, “Leader, when will we rescue Wu Ji?”

“I have my own calculations.” A whispered sound was heard. Yan Ge could only obediently close his mouth. Slender fingers gently brushed a small green snake cold body. A pair of cold eyes observing from a distance…

Su Ling and his party marched the “leader” and Yu Xiang, together with hundreds of rebels to the camp front. Coincidently, they bumped into Wu Ji who also had been escorted by Han Shu. The two groups had just met when the expressionless Wu Ji saw the man in black’s back. He immediately shouted “Leader!”, Then, he began to desperately wriggle his body which was bound in tight rope, wanting to rush over. However, his pair of shoulders was pressed by Han Shu’s large hands. At the end, Wu Ji was still unable to free himself.

When they fought in Crow Valley, they had seen Wu Ji. Seeing his attitude towards the man-in-black, Yu Shi Jun who still had a little doubt began to believe that the man-in-black was the leader.

However, Gu Yun had completely opposite conclusion: this man was definitely not the leader!

Personally seeing Wu Ji’s performance in Crow’s Valley, she knew that he was an extremely calm and indifferent man. His ‘anxious’ and ‘excited’ body language just before didn’t come in accordance with her initial impression of him. Yet he still performed it, this could only explain that he was acting it out! The exaggerated performance coupled with his remained indifferent eyes exposed his act. He was really out of practice.

Gu Yun had shrewd eyes but remained silent at this time. Meanwhile, Su Ling’s face remained gloomy, making people unable to guess what was on his mind. Then, people heard him said to Yu Shi Jun, “Take them to the prison and put them in separate cells.

“Yes.” Yu Shi Jun followed the order while the other went into the main tent. At this time, a red figure… or should it be said a muddy figure came into everyone’s eyes. His movements were quick, but what made people stare in disbelief was his awkward state. The man was approaching them. Besides Gu Yun, who laughed so hard that her face looked a bit twisted, everyone else was astonished and had bewildered faces. Especially Su Ling. It was really hard to see his eagle eyes wide open. Su Ling stared in disbelief at the man whose face, body and hair were covered with stink.

This was the Mu Yi that he knew? That borderline cleanliness-loving OCD man?!

Han Shu, who’s always been straightforward widely grinned and asked, “Mu Yi, what kind of crime that you’ve done?”

Mu Yi could only use his facial expression to change from dark blue to a cold look to explain everything. He just wanted to quickly wash his body clean. Before that happened, he would not open his mouth, he didn’t even want to breathe!

Gu Yun’s happy mood was getting more gleeful. Not taking advantages of this opportunity to step on his feet was not her character. Gu Yun mocked, “Han Shu, the mud in the rainforest is a rare skin care product. The other person knew more how to enjoy it than you guys.”

“Oh, really?” The honest and straight Han Shu was surprised. Although he didn’t believe it, but his eyes kept curiously looking at Mu Yi’s mud-filled body

“Really?” Honest and straightforward Han beam surprised a moment, although they are still not convinced, but a pair of Hu Mu is still curious to see one of the dirt is easy to admire.

Seeing Mu Yi’s face turned from white to green, then from green to black, Su Ling had no doubt that Mu Yi had reached the anger level where he wanted to kill the ridiculing woman in front of him.

The tall and big figure shifted towards Gu Yun. Mu Yi didn’t attack, but his phoenix eyes squinted. A word by word came through the teeth and burst out, “Qing… Mo…! You just wait!”

Finished speaking, Mu Yi brushed his sleeves and went. Gu Yun faced his fiery black and icily face and replied, “Anytime it suits you!” Did you think that it was only you who could frame other people to see drama and others couldn’t fight back? What a joke!

Su Ling secretly relieved, Mu Yi’s martial arts was strong. She didn’t know how profound was Mu Yi’s skill yet she went to challenge the limit of Mu Yi’s patient. This woman really didn’t know her limit. At this time, Su Ling still didn’t know why these two were fighting. If he knew, he should be worried of… How Gu Yun would ‘take care’ of him. This woman didn’t only ‘not know her limit’, she also bore grudges!

Gu Yun prepared to turn around and go back to her own tent when a small soldier jogged towards them, urgently saying, “General, Xing Bu (It is a department who takes care of crimes and prisons; Judicial Department?) Sent an urgent letter!”

Xing Bu? He and Xing Bu didn’t really have much contact. Why suddenly there was an urgent letter? Su Ling said in serious tone, “Present!”

When Gu Yun heard about Xing Bu’s urgent letter, she thought of Dan Yu Lan, slowing down her step. She only saw the small soldier carefully looked at her and replied, “But… It was written in the urgent letter that… the content is confidential and… was directed to Qing Mo.”

To her?!

Not only Su Ling was puzzled, even Gu Yun was wondering why Xing Bu wrote an urgent confidential letter to her.

Although there were a lot of questions in her heart, Gu Yun still held out her hand towards the small soldier and said, “Give it to me.”

The small soldiers secretly took a glance to Su Ling. Seeing Su Ling slightly nodded, he gave the letter to Gu Yun.  Gu Yun neatly opened the envelope. This urgent letter only contented one small piece of paper.

After she finished reading, Gu Yun’s face changed slightly. Su Ling and Han Shu simultaneously looked towards the paper, only to see the most succinct hastily written line:

Lucy, the case was difficult, return fast. Y (Lucy and Y were written in English in the book. They were not typo!)

What was the meaning of this? What is the meaning of the first and the last ‘drawing’?

Since when Xing Bu’s document changed to this form?

Most importantly, what was the relation between a Xing Bu’s investigator and her?

Although they didn’t understand, Gu Yun had understood everything clearly. Who would know her English name except Qing? Qing was that anxious till she asked Gu Yun to return. She must be really in trouble.

Both of Su Ling’s brows were knitted. He was full of doubt. Gu Yun quickly closed the letter and said, “I want the best and fastest horse.”

“What for?” His mouth was asking the question, but Su Ling had guessed her intention.

Indeed, Gu Yun succinctly replied, “I am going Back to the capital immediately!”

Immediately? Su Ling knitted brows were tightened. Why was she so anxious? This letter made her put back everything and want to return to the capital? All of this was because of a person named Dan Yu Lan?

Actually, Gu Yun did this because of the person who wrote this letter, and that person was not Dan Yu Lan, but her most important friend in this world… Zhuo Qing.

Since the moment she left the camp, she was not happy!

Why does she have to return to the Capital with Su Ling?

He was the Su Army’s Military Counsellor, he should be returning to the Capital with the army, why didn’t he do it?

Okay then. Everything was because of that ‘person who couldn’t live if there was no mess/fight in this world’ … Su Ren. He prudishly said that ‘the emperor’s edict stated that their time limit to catch the bandits was one month, but there was so much gold…It would require a long time to transport them back to the Capital and it would pass the time limit. Therefore, Su Ling must go back to personally inform the emperor and to ask him to extend the time limit.’

OK! Let him come back to him (Emperor) but he didn’t need to be here together with her!

Han Shu was also an idiot, saying that ‘If two people went together, they could take care of each other. Very good! Very good! Good your *ss! When she and he were together, the situation was like ‘not fighting was already a good thing, not arguing was a blessing.’

The most disgusting thing was Su Ling. He actually agreed to go back with her! Didn’t he always think a woman was bothersome? Wasn’t he a loner?

In short, the final result was that they were forced to travel together!

The two horses went out of the city of Pei. Gu Yun decided to insist once more, “Su Ling. Although you and I wanted to return to the capital, but we have different aims. It is better if we go our own way.”

Just thinking to be with him during this journey made her hairs stand. She thought Su Ling was also reluctant. However, everyone in the army was joining force so he didn’t say anything.

Su Ling’s mood which had been pretty good dropped below 0 degrees. His chilling arrogant voice and attitude really made people uncomfortable. “You are my General manor’s people. Who allows you to have freedom of action?”

What did he mean by that? Did he mean she was their house pet? Ridiculous! As she said before, how could she be calm when she was with Su Ling, this type of man? Was general manor really that great? There would be a day when she would leave that general manor!

Now, I will just tolerate you!

Su Ling thought she would keep arguing with him because he clearly saw anger in her eyes. However, Gu Yun didn’t say anything, coldly turning the horse and continue to gallop forward.

Su Ling frowned, he really couldn’t understand women’s thought and behavior, especially hers.

“Is he gone?”

Above the tree, a green figure turned around. Her face which always looked indifferent showed a touch of surprise and disappointment. Her tone was also a bit hasty.

“Yes.”  Although he was usually hot-blooded, he was not stupid. He could easily see that the leader looked at the man called Su Ling differently. Yan Ge replied truthfully, “At Ya hour (3-5pm), he departed with that savage woman.”

“Only those two?” The woman’s heart felt inexplicably lonely. He was really gone. The next time they meet would that be another 5 years? Or 10 years? She indifferently turned her back, the woman laughed at herself, between her and him, they couldn’t be even called enemies anymore.

“En, others were still in the campsite. Leader, Su Ling has gone. Could we go and rescue Wu Ji?” Su Ling was not in the army anymore, so they shouldn’t need too much thinking, right?

“Cannot.”  When she once again spoke, there was not the slightest melancholy in her voice. She indifferently said, “The Su Family Army camp is heavily guarded, we can’t afford to act rashly. The main aim of this expedition was the gold, they would definitely put more guards to ensure its safety. People who escorted Wu Ji should be less than those of the gold. We need to wait until they reach the canyon in the outer area of Pei City before we start the mission.”

She was this forest’s guardian and also the tribe’s leader. In this lifetime, she was destined to never leave here. If that was the case, it would be better if they didn’t meet again.

It was almost autumn, the night wind was not that refreshing anymore. The sparkling moonlight shone on the official Road. The road looked like a faint-white silk laid in between mountains. However, the approaching galloping sound at a high speed broke the solitude of the night. Two black horses rushed through the “white silk”, drawing two ink marks on it.

Originally the two horses went head to head. However, one horse suddenly jumped over thirty feet. The man on the horse immediately pulled the reins. The horse immediately stopped and stood straightly on the Official Road.

The horse behind was startled. The one who was riding it had to immediately pull the rein too. The spirited horse made a sound and barely missed hitting the horse in front.

Glaring at the man on the horse, Gu Yun growled, “What are you doing?” Did he know that if she didn’t pull the rein on time both of them would be injured!

Su Ling went down from the horse. His face was even darker than the night. He coldly replied, “We have ridden for one day and one night. It is about time we rest.”

Gu Yun icily argued, “If you want to rest, that’s your problem. Don’t stop my way.” She also didn’t want him to travel together with her. This man was sick!

Su Ling didn’t pay attention to her and just held the horse’s leather rope, pulling it towards the small tree at the side of the road.

Gu Yun lost her temper, “Su Ling! Do you know how to respect others?”

“You could either choose to rest on your own, or I will choose it for you, forcing you to rest.” With one hand held the horse rein, Su Ling didn’t turn around. His overbearing answer challenged Gu Yun’s nerve.

“Disgusting!” Bing Lian’s blade was about to be discharged to the overbearing man in front of her. Gu Yun’s grip on Bing Lian tightened.

Like he had a pair of eyes on his back, Su Ling calmly replied, “If you still have that much energy to be wasted on me, I will be glad to play with you.” It wasn’t hard to hear that Su Ling was also struggling to contain his anger. They hadn’t been resting for a day and a night. Besides eating dry food and feeding the horse, she hadn’t stopped at all. Till what extent this woman wanted to push herself? Was that person who wrote the letter really that important? Worthy of her endangering her life to return on time?!

Gu Yun took a deep breath, telling herself. Don’t act rashly! Do not argue with him! Don’t waste energy on him! Calm… Calm…

After contemplating for a long time, Gu Yun’s anger was a bit subdued. She used a calm tone to say, “I think, we really need to discuss some things. After all, we are going to be at each other’s company for couple days. I couldn’t stand arguing with you every day. What do you think?”

After long pause, the man in front replied, “Speak.”

“We travelled together. I think we should, at least, have most basic respect towards each other. What do you think?”

After a while, the man in front didn’t reply. Gu Yun thought that he agreed, so she continued, “I need to return to the capital as soon as possible. I can’t afford to be slow like now. Getting rest every day is a must. This point I understand. The reason I’ve been rushing these two days is because our spirit and energy are at their best so I will only rest for two hours. After a while, our energy will decline, then we will have extra one hour break every day. What do you think?”

If she really wanted to hurry and go back, this arrangement was the best one. Su Ling had to admit, she was smart. She could arrange it so well. However, the question is why did she need to be that desperate?

Gu Yun waited again for a while. If the man in front of her still didn’t speak, could she take it as if he agreed?

Shrugging, Gu Yun came to her conclusion, “You didn’t comment on anything so I am glad that we could reach an understanding.”

Gu Yun turned her body over to get off the horse. She quickly prepared the things for an overnight stay. At this time, the silent Su Ling suddenly said, “Do you really have to rush back?”

Refocusing her thought, Gu Yun finally understood what he asked. Gu Yun quickly replied, “Yes!”

This one word “yes” made Su Ling’s surrounding temperature plunge several degrees. Bing Lian and Chi Xue could also feel it. Unfortunately, to the ‘slow’ Gu Yun, didn’t feel it.

Both of them were well-versed in staying overnight in the wilderness. They quickly found an appropriate location to rest. The fire was ignited within half an hour. Taking out the water bottle and dry food, both of them ate in silence. Once she was full, Gu Yun demanded quietly, “Take off your clothes.”

Su Ling was stupefied. He hadn’t been able to get the meaning of Gu Yun’s word, a bottle of medicine had been thrown beside his foot.

Looking at Su Ling’s blank face, Gu Yun impatiently said, “Quick! Don’t waste my time.” Before they departed, Su Ren gave the medicine to her and asked her to help Su Ling to apply the medicine. He was also emphasized that Su Ling was wounded because of rescuing her. It was like if she didn’t help Su Ling to apply the medicine, she would commit an extremely serious crime. Ah… She didn’t want to control him!

Finally understanding her intention, Su Ling was a little bit embarrassed. His facial expression was a bit odd. He coldly said, “Let me do it myself.”

Not waiting for him to finish his sentence, Gu Yun was looking for a piece of muslin while using ‘Discussion’ tone to reply, “You could choose to obediently take off your clothes or I would take off your clothes.”

Su Ling suddenly wanted to laugh. This woman really held grudges, she used his word against him.

Never mind. She, a woman, was not shy. Why would he mind! Facing his back towards Gu Yun, Su Ling took off his outer clothes. Under the moonlight, the broad back’s muscles looked more pronounced. Gu Yun slightly raised her eyebrows, secretly admiring. Su Ling had a strong well-built physique, a wheat-like skin color, and perfectly lined muscles. Really making people envy!

However, Gu Yun only appreciated the view in front of her for a second before she took out the muslin and applied the medicine. She carefully bandaged the wound again. Under the doctor’s care, his wound gradually closed. However, there were still small circular pits at his back. It looked like they were going to leave a scar. On his back, there were plenty old scars. Gu Yun didn’t look that way, but she admired him secretly.

Meanwhile, Su Ling who just before calmly took off his clothes felt a bit weird when Gu Yun’s cold fingers gently applied the medicine to his wound. He felt a big difference when Gu Yun applied the medicine compared to the doctor; although it was the same medicine. Her movement was not much gentler than the doctor. That kind of feeling hot and cold, pain and tingling. Truthfully, it was not very good!

When Gu Yun reapplied the dressing and the dressing passed over his chest, her breasts were pressed against his back. His brain subconsciously thought of that night, inside the tent, the movement along the breath which she couldn’t conceal… (I think he is talking about the state of Gu Yun when she didn’t wear a bra nor the clothes to prevent her breast movement. However, I might be wrong.)

Damn! After all, he was still a man. At this time, Su Ling extremely regretted letting her apply the medicine.

In contrast, Gu Yun didn’t have much feeling. She had seen too many male bodies. In the Special Forces before, she didn’t know how many men she’d helped to bandage in the woods. Therefore, to her, the situation now was normal. She secured the bandage and put back the medicine and dressing. Gu Yun calmly said, “Okay, it is finished. Take a rest. We will be going in two hours.”

Finished speaking, Gu Yun carelessly lied on the ground near the fire. Using her hands as a pillow, she just lied there on the ground like that.

Once again, Su Ling’s face darkened. What kind of woman can peacefully sleep outdoors on the ground in front of a man? He’d never seen this kind of woman before! She really didn’t put a guard against him or was she actually acting tough? For the first time, The Great General Su put an interest to analyze people who weren’t his opponents. In addition, this person is a female! He never wasted his mind on a woman!

Thinking for a long time, he still couldn’t understand. Su Ling closed his eyes. The best way to deal with this woman was … to not see her at all!

After a long time, Gu Yun gradually opened her eyes. She tilted her head to see a man who sat cross-legged, she observed the man. The resting time was limited. Gu Yun under this kind of circumstances would choose the most comfortable place and position to sleep. She was curious. Could Su Ling rest at that kind of position? Didn’t his legs get pins and needles?

Several days later, Gu Yun got her answer. Sitting like that and closing the eyes wouldn’t make people rest well.

This was because Su Ling’s face was becoming uglier to see as the time passed. His eyes were bloodshot. His black clothes were crumpled and his hair was a mess. He… frankly speaking, was a moving ice block. In Gu Yun’s opinion, all of these were caused by severe lack of sleep. However, she didn’t guess right the reason of his lack of sleep.