After Zhihao was done with his business, he didn't straight come back home. Instead, he lingered on the familiar wooden bench and observed their technique. Moreover, the reason he was there was based on the desire to see Xinran who he had yet to find.
"Is she not practicing?" he wondered and leaned his form forward as he watched several students perform their movements.
Their actions moved fluidly, resembling a dance that flowed gently and purposefully. Meanwhile, their master walked among them, conducting tests by deploying attacks. This training aimed to enhance their awareness amidst the calm of mind.
Certain students were deceived by attacks that didn't make contact, disrupting their concentration and flow, and causing them to struggle to keep up with the techniques of others. Conversely, a few managed to persevere even when slightly flustered.
Zhihao was impressed with the exercise, recognizing its effectiveness in enhancing speed and reaction time while maintaining focus for accurate responses. However, after minutes had passed, he still couldn't locate Xinran. Disappointed, he decided to leave Jinsao and explore elsewhere.
The footsteps led him out of the village, heading to the Golden Tree Forest to complete the mission that had been delayed because of the incident. Zhihao felt safe this time because guards could be seen in the area, along with several people who were looking for ingredients or just looking at the beauty of nature.
Zhihao approached the scene, initially perceiving nothing until he squinted and discerned a letter nestled among the grass. Intrigued, he closed in, retrieved the dirt-soaked object, and unfolded it, attentively reading the contents within.
"Find the women," he whispered. "And capture them for me. They are nobles from Huazhou."
The sender's anonymity, evident by the absence of a name, unveiled that the situation wasn't solely a result of their behavior. It appeared to be a calculated plan to kidnap Jia and Xinran, the motives shrouded in uncertainty.
Zhihao, determined not to let this crucial evidence go to waste, securely tucked the letter inside his simple brown tunic.
Continuing his mission armed with a book containing illustrations of Silverwind Fern, Zhihao dedicated nearly two hours to the search. Eventually, he discovered a single stalk hidden amongst the bushes, its white color contrasting with the surroundings.
[Find Ingredient: Silverwind Fern 1/1]
[Mission Completed]
Reward:
Profession EXP: 500
Reward: None]
"Alright, this flower must be significant," he uttered, placing it in his satchel. "Considering it only needs one."
As he stood up, his thoughts meandered through the possibilities outlined in the letter. The realization struck that they wouldn't stop at just once; they knew Jia and Xinran were at his house, giving Zhihao pause for thought.
Returning to his house on high alert, Zhihao scanned his surroundings for any suspicious figures. Despite encountering no issues that day, he remained aware that the bandits wouldn't give up on their task, especially considering the substantial reward awaiting them.
"Someone knows us here, Xinran," Jia said with anticipation. "Something I would never have anticipated."
Xinran, who was enjoying her meal, responded later. "I knew it," she looked down. "On several occasions, I sensed that there were men following me after school."
All eyes were on her, silence enveloped them, giving her space to continue, "But he never had a chance because I took crowded areas."
"That's insane!" Meisha chimed in. "How long have you been followed?"
"Not long ago, Auntie," those hazel eyes now turned to the red-haired woman. "After Zhihao and I survived the forest."
"This cannot be allowed!" Meisha exclaimed, her expression serious. "We must report it to the authorities!"
"We can't trust them," Jia shook her head while eating from her dish. "They didn't help us, and their involvement with those bandits is questionable."
Suspiciously, she continued, "Who knows if they're even working with those burglars? Because I know whoever wrote this letter is not an ordinary citizen." Jia remained vigilant in ensuring Xinran's safety.
"They are of the upper class, or you can say nobles too," her azure eyes signaled deep anxiety. Even in their current location, it was evident that they were not entirely safe.
Realizing the situation was escalating, Zhihao considered the potential danger to himself and Meisha by keeping Jia and Xinran there. "Is it possible to stay at the school?" he inquired, seeking confirmation and a safer alternative.
"Why? Do you want us to stay in Jinsao?" the blonde woman responded after finishing her dinner.
"We are unprotected here," Zhihao replied with the hard truth. "At least there, you are secure."
Meisha, who had been silent, opened her voice, "Seems like a good idea, I heard there are some students staying there too, right, Xinran?"
Xinran nodded. "Yes, the few who live outside the village are there," she answered. "Do we have to move there?"
"Our choices are limited," Jia assured her, stroking her shoulder. "Authorities will never touch that school."
Xinran mustered a slight smile, but a strange expression on her face caught Zhihao's attention, furrowing his brows. It seemed like there was a problem she was trying to hide, not wanting to burden anyone, especially Jia.
"Sister, I heard from Ms. Ryusa that you are an experienced poison maker, is that true?" Zhihao, having finished his share, turned to Meisha sitting next to him.
Choked up, the tied-up red-haired woman hesitated before eating. "No, I'm not that skillful at that," she looked evasive. "Why?"
Zhihao hesitated for a moment before venturing, overly curious. "After all these years, I wonder why you didn't teach me how to make poison?" He faced his sister, observed by Jia and Xinran. "In situations like this, that mixture could be our weapon against criminals."
"That's what Ms. Ryusa said to me, and she offered me something," he continued, making Meisha turn to him. "To become her disciple in learning the method of making poison."
The woman did not move, her eyes wide open. The living room fell silent, with no sound except for the heavy rain falling outside. Meisha then reached forward, looking down at her cleared dish.
"Because of that mixture," she wavered, "my parents died."
"I made mistakes that I regret all my life," her voice weakened, sounding like a whisper. "That's why I stopped and never touched that aspect again."
"I'm aware it can be our strongest weapon to fight against something that endangers us," she turned to face her brother, both eyes glazed in tears. "But, every time I want to make one, it reminds me of that past trauma."
"Please understand, Zhihao," unable to make eye contact, she shifted her head elsewhere. "It's not that I don't want to teach you how to make poison, but I can't bear the memories."
Trying not to cry, she couldn't hold back and burst into tears. "It's so painful to remember."