[TCFO] Arc 3 – Chapter 137

The Vicious Princess Wants to Reverse Fate (31)

After settling Zhou Min, Shangguan Qi lit a campfire and scattered herbs around her. He concocted this in the jungle – not potent poisons but sufficient to keep smaller animals at bay. This allowed him to leave her to retrieve her sword and gather the healing sacred item he discovered while collecting firewood – the Blood Lily Silk Flower.

While harvesting the flower earlier, he had heard Zhou Min’s screams, which caused him to forget about it until he hurried over later.

Upon returning with the sword, the Blood Lily Silk Flower, and some other healing herbs found in the jungle, Zhou Min still hadn’t regained consciousness. During the battle with the python, he used all the silver needles he had to deal with the snake. Without silver needles and inner strength, he couldn’t provide a more secure treatment for Zhou Min.

Whether luck or fate led him to this healing sacred item mentioned in medical scriptures, perhaps they were destined not to meet a tragic end.

Shangguan Qi spent the entire night without rest, re-treating the wounds on Zhou Min’s back and preparing a concoction with the flower and other herbs he fed her. As the sky hinted at dawn, Shangguan Qi finished his work, sat by Zhou Min’s side with his back against the giant tree, closed his eyes, and soon drifted off to sleep.

The jungle’s morning brought forth a white mist, lending a damp appearance. A gentle breeze rustled through the towering trees, making a shushing sound. The river’s swift flow echoed a gurgling melody. Birds returning to their nests in the evening were now retaking flight.

When Zhou Min woke from her unconscious state, she gazed at the sunlight filtering through the tree canopy above, weaving countless colourful ribbons. Turning her head, she spotted squirrels holding pinecones larger than themselves, looking at her with curious and innocent eyes.

This scene made Zhou Min suddenly think of a phrase - “peaceful and prosperous times!”

The little squirrel chirped, dropping the pinecone and scampering up the big tree. Zhou Min gently curved her lips into a smile. Turning her head, she noticed Shangguan Qi, one leg folded, leaning against the giant tree. His right hand rested casually on his bent knee. He was sound asleep, and the dappled sunlight adorned his face like jade, ethereal and breathtaking.

“Awake?” A deep voice suddenly echoed, prompting Zhou Min to push herself up with one hand. Her movement paused momentarily as she looked up, colliding unexpectedly with a pair of deep, ancient, well-like eyes.

Shangguan Qi’s body leaned forward suddenly, closing the distance between him and Zhou Min, who subconsciously held her breath.

With half-lowered eyes, Shangguan Qi restrained the worry and amusement in his gaze. He casually placed his hand on her wrist, checking her pulse. “You’re quite fortunate. With the Blood Lily Silk Flower, your internal injuries are not a major concern, though not completely healed. We must continue our journey to escape this jungle as soon as possible. It’s dangerous, and staying another day might bring unforeseen variables.”

Sensing Zhou Min’s pulse steadying, Shangguan Qi released her and stood up. His words, however, left Zhou Min momentarily stunned. Blood Lily Silk Flower?! What was that?

Although she didn’t know what it was, it couldn’t be anything but a precious medicine. The stabbing pain in her chest and the tearing sensation in her lower abdomen had significantly improved. Even activating her inner energy didn’t cause the previous pain and stiffness.

“What about you? Are your injuries better? Did you eat that flower too?” Zhou Min suddenly inquired.

Looking at Zhou Min, Shangguan Qi’s eyes seemed to harbour countless mysteries as profound and dark as the abyss. Slowly approaching Zhou Min, she was startled by the sudden dangerous aura emanating from him. As he advanced, Zhou Min, who had just stood up, subconsciously retreated, driven by his approach, until she was pressed against an ancient tree behind her.

Shangguan Qi’s sudden hand on the tree trunk frightened Zhou Min, who bumped into it. The pain behind her caused her to emit a soft groan and inhale sharply.

It hurt!

Observing this, Shangguan Qi’s hand slipped down the tree trunk subconsciously. Suddenly, he hugged her waist, pulling her into his arms. Zhou Min was so shocked by Shangguan Qi’s move that she forgot about the pain in her back. She placed her hands on his chest and looked up at him in astonishment. As her right hand weakly slid down, Shangguan Qi pre-emptively pressed it against his chest.

“Why did you come back?” he asked, voice low and questioning. “You left... didn’t you?”

Confused by Shangguan Qi’s inexplicable words, Zhou Min furrowed her eyebrows slightly. His words made her overlook his actions of holding her hand. She asked, perplexed, “What? What are you talking about?”

“You... left... didn’t you?” Shangguan Qi’s voice remained low, seemingly asking her and himself. Ever since he treated her injuries last night, this doubt had filled his mind.

Zhou Min gazed into his eyes, which reflected her figure. Sensing his unspoken question, she lowered her head, avoiding his gaze. “I... I wanted to help you, but I realised... I lost my sword... so...”

Though awkward, Shangguan Qi’s inner turmoil didn’t match the calm exterior. Or perhaps he had guessed when Zhou Min left and returned but couldn’t believe it. But now, hearing her straightforward admission, he didn’t know how to react. Suddenly releasing her, Zhou Min’s figure wavered due to Shangguan Qi’s movement. She steadied herself against a tree, but a muffled groan escaped uncontrollably.

“I remember the old you. Terrified of snakes, even harmless ones. When did you stop being afraid of snakes?” Shangguan Qi, with his back, turned to Zhou Min, seemingly casually organising the herbs on the ground while asking.

“I’m still scared of snakes, but compared to snakes, I... I’m more afraid of you dying!” Zhou Min leaned against the tree trunk, eyes lowered, emotions concealed. Her voice carried a hint of helpless bitterness as if she felt sorrowful about herself.

Slightly taken aback by Zhou Min’s words, Shangguan Qi finished arranging the items. He half-crouched in front of her. “Get on. I don’t want your actions to delay my journey.”

“You want to carry me?” Zhou Min was astonished by Shangguan Qi’s behaviour.

“Don’t make me say it a third time. Get on!”