An Bing Qing's eyes were dazed as a flock of memories streamed in her mind. Her heart fluttered with joy.
"Cough", the squatted young man coughed and she was brought back to earth. She was scared silly when she saw him spat out a mouthful of blood. As she jumped down the tree, she blurted out, "Zi Hui!"
The young man didn't flinch with the coughing but he still took back his right hand from digging to cover his mouth. His action was half-completed as he half-heard a sudden cry.
He hastily turned around, his purple eyes gleamed bloodlust but this didn't make the rushing white figure came to a stop. His face grew cold and his evil breath began to spread out but soon, he coughed more and more blood, making him bend a little in pain.
"Xue Zi Hui, are you an idiot? Why are you mobilizing your energy?" A white-robed An Bing Qing chided at him.
In the middle of his coughing, he froze a little; he clearly heard his name this time. This made him frown, 'How can that lowly little thing know my name? Moreover, is she scolding me?' His heart sank and a ruthless flash shined through his purple eyes; the evident worry he saw in her eyes didn't make him stop and think over things. If his condition were to be good, he would just ignore the little thing in front; but now, even a mysterious fly could be dangerous. He waited as he couldn't do too much now.
An Bing Qing had completely forgotten that this wasn't the past where they were good friends; even if his eyes were so, she didn't feel any danger when she was striding forward.
When she was ten steps before him, he raised his left hand but it quickly went meal and a confused light flashed in his pair of purple eyes as he felt something familiar coming from her.
In that moment An Bing Qing had finally reached his side, she exclaimed as she saw some little specks in the blood, "Dark green? Where you poisoned?" She reached her hand to take his wrist, but he pushed her hand, and said the first thing it came to his mind while he suppressed a sudden impulse, "Little thing, don't you think you are taking to many liberties with this Lord?"
"Huh?"
Seeing her puzzled face, he said with displeasure as he grabbed his breath, "This Lord doesn't now you". He paused and added with a bloodthirsty tone, "This Lord is very curious, how can a little thing like you know this Lord's name?" He swallowed a mouthful of blood that was about to be spat out.
"Oh... That..." She finally understood, she flushed, 'Right, this isn't the past'. She looked at him and saw he was still waiting for an answer and was able to discern his dangerous gaze this time, 'How can I answer such a question?'
While she was pondering, he was appraising her, 'This can't be, that is actually... How could I... No! When did I...?' His head was a mess and he couldn't make sense of his swirling thoughts. He was sure he didn't know this girl; moreover, she was a little human. How could he have placed his soul imprint within her soul? Was he drunken?
At length, he heard her response, "Oh, is that really your name? I just thought it will suit you". She stopped to clearly look at his expression, seeing that he didn't have a ruthless gaze anymore, she explained, "I mean, you have white hair like snow with a pair of devilish purple eyes and also... you seem to be a knowledgeable man. So..."
He instinctively blurted out, "Little thing, are you flirting with this Lord?" When he finished his question, he almost bit his tongue. He was flabbergasted.
Though for him it was rare, An Bing Qing didn't found anything wrong. Still, she cursed in her heart, 'Tch, how did I forgot this guy is even more shameless than eldest brother? Once you give him an inch, he will take a mile'.
She placed her hands on her hips and retorted sarcastically, "Flirting, me? This miss only stated the facts. Isn't his Lordship putting too much blame on an unmarried lady like me?"
His mind was still in chaos, he couldn't accept he had made something unreasonable without even knowing and was saying nonsensical things. He took a deep breath and said to throw her far away and ponder things over, "Little thing, it is best for you to go now".
She smiled widely, 'Heh heh, I won'.
He saw her strange smile and knew what she was thinking. Strangely, he didn't feel irritated but funny instead; he wanted to laugh but refrained himself from doing so and only a slight smile was drawn. But it quickly dissipated when he saw her kneeling down and carefully digging with some tools in hand.
"You..." He couldn't complete his sentence as blood got stuck in his throat. 'Does that little thing know the things hidden in this place? That can't be, the little thing is so young that...'
Before he could end his line of thought, he heard, "Zi Hui, you are looking for the Blood Bud Roots, right? Is to detoxify your poison? What kind of poison is it?" She was clueless about this event as she had met him when she was over eighteen years old in her previous life, though it was a similar situation; he was badly hurt but he was very scary back then, now that she remember. Was it because he was older?
Hearing so, he was sombre.
She didn't felt his changing mood, and mirthfully said as she pulled a dark red root with ten little buds along its body, "It really is the Blood Bud Root and is a hundred years' one. Zi Hui, here". She raised her head to look up to him; and saw he wasn't looking at the herb but at her.
His eyes were deep and bottomless, as though he was in thought. She asked, "What is it? Don't you want it?"
"This is this Lord's place, everything here is mine".
She blinked, and said, "Hmph! You just were lucky there was a drove of beasts or else this place would be filled with them as this place had many Blood Bud Roots in time to be picked up". She then placed the herb by her side and continued to dig without looking at him.
He was out of words, thinking in his heart, 'Is this little thing stupid? Didn't she know where the herd's heart was coming from?' He was unaware, but he slowly began to lower his guard. It wasn't because of his soul imprint as it was meant to protect and not to control. Maybe it was a feeling of yearn, one he was oblivious about.
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Chapter 14.1: Stories from the past; Kidnapped
Night was brightly lit by moonlight and all An family's team members had arrived to their respective courtyards.
An Bing Qing's main chamber door was squeaked open; a waltzing An Yu Yong clad in purple entered, and his charming voice was heard, "Little sister..."
Before he could speak more, she yelled, "Don't come pass the screen division! I'm already changing clothes".
"Tsk, it is not like there is something good to see". Still, his steps came to a stop ten paces before the division screen.
"Hmph!" Only a furious humming was heard behind the screen.
"Ha ha, what?! You can't deny it?" He laughed merrily.
"Stop laughing, I'm very good. Daddy said I'm beautiful and also..." She suddenly remembered their way back with Wang family's eldest young master but soon, she dejectedly shook her head.
"And also… what?" He asked with hidden concern.
"And also… many servants have said that I'm cute and many would want to marry me".
"Well, you share your brother's handsome face; that is matter of course. But still, you can't just marry anyone". He said joking around.
"Just because you were born a little earlier, it doesn't mean is your handsomeness. I'm sure is you who share my beauty. Tch, don't worry; your little sister isn't interested in players like eldest brother". She jested in reply. She finally understood her eldest brother purpose; he was afraid she may like someone she mustn't. Even though she has just recently gone out to experience, she was smart and had already read the proper ways of a noble lady. But until now, she still needed time to process things; she wasn't quick-witted yet, and had a quick temper instead which make her speak and do things before thinking.
An Yu Yong rolled his eyes but didn't speak as he spotted a little face coming out from the screen. His little sister had only put the outer robe over her sleeping clothes; they weren't even well arranged. He shook his head secretly and both went to a jade table near the antechamber's entrance.
As she was about to beckon Bing Nan to bring some tea, he stopped her, "There's no need, I am going to be brief". He dismissed Bing Nan and appraised his little sister for a while; he saw her cutely blinking with confused eyes. 'It's better not to ask anything. With such a simple mind, I will only make her thought about it', he thought before saying, "Father said you make a list with the herbs you may need. He along everyone knows that your medicals skills are good though you are young, thus…"
She shrugged her shoulders and interrupted, "It is nothing worth mentioning, you all are making a fuss. People of big clans still won't look our way, sigh. But I will gladly make one".
"You…" He paused for a bit, "We don't need those people to look our way. The lack of resources is for your eldest brother and Elders to care. Moreover, to have a good doctor from our own family after many generations of not having one have made all the clansmen joyous". He stood up and rubbed her head, "I think they will pay more attention to you than me now. The Elders were saying if you don't slack off, your future will be bright".
She pouted her mouth and said, "That won't change that I am weak. If I can't raise my cultivation; even if I can diagnose, I won't be able to treat".
He knew it; using silver needles took a certain amount of energy and it was different according to the disease and person. He laughed and said, "Don't think about, I'm sure you will soon break through. It's late already, go and rest".
Feeling her eldest brother's mood being bad, she joked, "Hmph, it is you who isn't letting me rest. If I'm a panda tomorrow, daddy won't let you go". She sprang to her feet and went to her bed, saying, "I won't send you out. Tell Bing Nan to bring me some tea with milk".
He raised a brow and said, "Tsk, there won't be such a problem. I'm sure you will sleep like a dead pig, not waking up till you have had all your rest. Ha ha ha". He hurtled outside to elude her rebuke.
...............................
The night grew deeper and the moon hid behind dark clouds.
Quietly, a little shadow entered An Bing Qing's main chamber without disturbing the night guards. The little shadow grew bigger as he reached her bedside. The dark humanoid figure watched the sleeping maiden covered by pink-coloured quilts; something stretched from the figure and soon engulfed her in darkness.
The shadow skilfully slipped away from An family's state, and a couple of hours later went out from the Imperial City through the north gate. It went towards the Elemental Mysterious Beast Forest located just ten kilometres away from the Imperial City. In ancient times, it was a forbidden area used exclusively by members of the Imperial and Ancient families; as not only has a rich elemental energy but have heavenly energy as well. Now, this forest has been divided in two: the outer area where everyone can go to experience; and the inner area that was sealed by the Imperial and Ancient families' top experts which can only be opened every nine years. The figure was very fast though it trembled from time to time, and reached a cave in the outer area before the fifth watch ended.
Inside, the darkness that enveloped An Bing Qing went loose and she was placed on the cold floor; but she didn't feel it as she was still wrapped with warm beddings. The figure didn't wake her up but went out instead.
A warm sun began to come out and the dark mantle became clearer with each passing second. The figure outside waited till the sun was completely out but heard no movement within the cave. It stood up and went into the dark cave.
An Bing Qing was in deep sleep, there was even some saliva coming out from her beautiful rosy lips.
The figure harrumphed at this sight and waved.
"Splash" A big barrel appeared above her, it creaked open and a cold liquid bathed her.
"Ah!" She was startled awake, and she hastily sat. She coughed, as a strong flavour of liquor assaulted her nose. She unconsciously reached for the sheets but they were soaked wet. The rich scent drowned her and her head went a little dizzy.
Before she could react, a force pulled away the quilts; and a dangerous male voice gave sound, "Lowly woman, I have let you sleep enough. Don't dare faint before this Lord or this Lord will paint this place with your blood".
An Bing Qing's confused eyes cleared as she heard the threat. She quickly snapped out and surveyed the place; all around was dark and was very cold. She fearfully turned around her head; to where the scary voice came. As all was black, she could only see a tall shadow with a discernable pair of bright purple eyes. She shivered as she looked into them; they were ruthless, full of bloodlust.
After being swallowed by dread, she forced herself to calm down. She wasn't a common lady and as smart as she was, she began to analyse things slowly. 'This person is dangerous but…'
But she wasn't fast enough; the male voice rang again, "Now that you are finally awake. This Lord asks you, are you a doctor?"
Hearing a voice that couldn't possible accept a negative answer, she instinctively nodded.
The man in front just watched her with an I-already-knew-it expression.
"Then, tell what this Lord has?"
'Huh? Does she heard wrong?'
Hearing no reply, he balefully asked, "This Lord asked you, what is wrong with this Lord?"
'Uh, seems I heard right but…' Her thoughts paused; and as temperamental as she was, her heart gave rise to anger, 'Does he have to kidnap me because of this? He seems powerful; couldn't he kidnap a better doctor?' She had to supress her inner feeling; she was weak after all.
"Cough, cough, I first need to check your pulse", at length, she said.
"No, you don't need it", he said with a certain but dark tone.
She blinked, seeing his impatience and feeling her back growing cold, she stammered, "Then… I n-need to watch you carefully".
He stared at her, turned around and walked towards the exit.
She hesitated; she was in sleeping clothes and was all wet. The blankets were also thrown who knows where.
He didn't hear footsteps behind him and said with supressed wrath, "Aren't you coming".
"Aye", she sprang to her feat as she answered in a low voice.
She covered her eyes as soon as she put a step outside the cave. The warmness she was bathed with was quickly dispersed when she heard his scornful voice, "Lowly woman, I hope you can see better like that". He wasn't kind at all.
She bit her lower lip and lowered her hand from her eyes. She saw an extremely handsome young man with a head full of white hair, his purple eyes shrouded by bloodthirsty light gave him a devilish grandeur; she was swayed by it for a while. When she went out from his charm, she saw him staring at her; and she quickly tried to cover herself. Her long legs and white arms were fully exposed while her sleeping clothes were sticking at her; water drops were still falling from her silky black hair.
Such an action received derisive words, "What are you trying to hide? Won't it be better if you were to be naked? Maybe like that, you will answer my question".
She opened wide her eyes. She calmed as she saw his purple eyes; though cold but they didn't hold such lascivious thoughts. She calmed down and gained courage, "Don't you fear I will give you a bad diagnosis or medication?"
The young man smirked with cynicism, "Little woman, has you killed before?"
She froze.
He suddenly felt good when he saw her looks, "Just as I thought".
She lowered her gaze but she relaxed a bit as the oppressing air diffused a little. She took a deep breath and scrutinized him thoroughly.
He stood motionless as he saw she finally have gone into business.
Twenty or so minutes passed and she finally said, "You aren't letting me check your pulse; therefore I only am eighty per cent sure about your condition. Though you look good outside and just are slightly pale, inside many of your muscles must be tore apart; it must have been a rough task bringing me here with you as even the tiniest movement will make you suffer an insufferable pain". She paused and assessed his looks. He didn't deny her words but also didn't look surprised at her accurate description. 'This man is more dangerous than I thought', she thought.
As she was now talking about medicine and he said nothing about her lacking manners, she continued with steady breath, "There are other things but with all that, I am still unable to say the actual problem".
"Then…?"
"Then, I have three conditions: the first being, you practice a forbidden technique that allows you to take the shape of a high level beast; second, you ingested the five-earth Beast Transforming Pill and are suffering for the problem it comes with; and the third… hmh, it is better to discard that… it isn't possible at all".
"Oh, why isn't possible?" He asked with curiosity.
She shrugged her shoulders and answered, "Because it is a special situation that selected Ancient Beasts have, and you aren't one. If you were one, you wouldn't even like me as your food and would have torn me in thousands of pieces right away. All mysterious beasts that have took humanoid form disdain humans so much that they will kill at the first sight of one. Besides, they are also the supreme leaders of beasts that are leading this unending war", she trembled slightly and slowly closed her eyes, remembering how much hate her grandfather has towards them.
A thoughtful gleam flashed in his cold eyes but she didn't saw it. He asked, "How to cure?"
She opened her eyes, "Which one?"
"This Lord wants to know the three".
'So he didn't want me to know which of the two is', she thought. As for the third one, she guessed he was curious about. She didn't hold anything back when she answered; first because she hasn't killed as he had said before and secondly because she was happy talking about it so she didn't think deeper.
"I understand". He nodded and walked towards the forest.
"Wait, where are you going?"
"To get the medicine", he said without looking back.
"Are you going to leave me here?" She hastily asked.
This time, he turned back and said before striding forward again, "Little woman, you have no more use to me".
She opened her mouth and could only utter, "B-but… but I… you can't…"
He paused again when he reached the woods in front, raised his left hand and threw a green qiankun bag to her, "This Lord picked this. Be glad that this Lord is returning it to you".
She caught it as she saw his vanishing back. After a while, she redirected her gaze to her hands, 'This is mine'. She stomped her feet to the ground and took a clean white robe out. She wrapped herself with it before looking around downhearted.