In the meantime...
Thud!
The soldiers managed to chop down enough trees to make a small clearing in the woods. The tree Bai Ye perched on would unfortunately be one of the casualties. Despite the pressing circumstances, Bai Ye did not answer the man.
Was that a rejection?
Thud! The huge tree fell and Bai Ye clung tightly onto the branch. The tree toppled into the swampy waters as she expected. She was prepared for this so she allowed herself to be pulled into the mud.
Submerged underwater, there would be no traces of her above ground.
The bodyguard tiptoed carefully toward his master. Surprised by the girl's antics, the bodyguard asked, "Master, do you think she planned this? That's why she chose this particular tree?"
That...
That was a horrifying thought.
Within a few breaths, the girl had managed to cloak herself within the forest. She even utilized the swamps to cover her tracks and hide her body.
Moreover...
How did she know the men would chop down the trees?
"Master, we only found her bloody clothes," one of the soldiers reported to Qing Xuantian. They had combed through the forest but there were no signs of any human.
Qing Xuantian took the clothes from the soldier and sniffed. He was able to smell the dampened scent somewhere below ground.
"Young Master, our actions garnered attention from the people of Banruo Village. They are coming in droves to investigate," a soldier reported.
Qing Xuantian's mood darkened at the news.
"Young Master, the empire's strongest warrior hails from Banruo Village."
"Shut up! I don't need you to remind me." Although Banruo Village was just a small settlement, Qing Xuantian knew he had to be careful. It was why he brought the soldiers along.
It was obvious Qing Xuantian did not want to give up the search. In the end, he ordered half of his forces to continue the search while the other half followed him as he made way to the Bai family's courtyard.
He had to placate the villagers for fear of bringing the wrath of Qin Ban upon himself. He was aware of Bai Zhan's long-standing relationship with the villagers. Some folks even saw Bai Ye as their own child.
Moments after Qing Xuantian left, the search party scurried out of the forest en masse.
When the coast was clear, Bai Ye dragged herself out of the mud.
She gasped for fresh air. The charming man in black robes appeared before her once again. Without any warning, he cupped her face in his hand.
Bai Ye wanted to pull away but she found herself rooted to the spot.
"Filthy," the man uttered. Despite the disapproval, his fingers stroke her cheek. Then…
Something unexpected happened.
The man's face inched closer. His teeth took hold of her bottom lip and bit down. Blood welled from the open wound.
Bai Ye was shocked, eyes wide in surprise. Pain radiated from her bottom lip as she stared at the beautiful devil.