Trot, trot...
In just a couple of steps, Night Jing Tang had reached the edge of the bed.
Carefully, Night Jing Tang observed—the woman remained motionless, not even a hint of breath could be felt, like a finely crafted jade artifact, yet there was a faint warmth and fragrance.
In a house with bare walls, the sudden appearance of such a peculiar woman easily brought to mind stories of fox spirits or mythical creatures.
Night Jing Tang hesitated for a moment, reaching out to the woman's nostrils to sense her breath—it was barely perceptible, but rhythmic, not that of a dead person...
Seeing this, the bird plucked up its courage and hopped onto the woman's shoulder, tilting its head to observe, even pecking at the woman's cheek with its beak, startling her awake.
The woman opened her eyes, revealing peach blossom-like irises, with a hint of coldness, gazing at the man and bird before her.
The bird, frightened, shuddered and quickly ran behind Night Jing Tang.
Feeling the oppressive gaze from the woman, Night Jing Tang quickly withdrew his hand and took a few steps back.
"Lady, are you..."
The woman remained silent, closing her eyes once more.
Night Jing Tang furrowed his brows slightly, pondering—was she practicing martial arts? Or perhaps she had been acupunctured...
Dragon Knight...
The words popped into Night Jing Tang's mind inexplicably as he carefully observed the woman.
Seeing that the woman seemed to prefer not to be disturbed, Night Jing Tang hesitated to speak, feeling that it was inappropriate to question her.
But this was his home, and someone had occupied it. What should he do as the master of the house?
As Night Jing Tang was hesitating, the sound of footsteps approaching from the street outside grew closer.
Trot, trot, trot...
"Go check over there..."
The sound suggested officials, with two people heading towards the alley.
Night Jing Tang frowned, intending to go outside to check, but before he could turn around, a voice sounded beside him:
"Close the door."
The voice was light and graceful, with a hint of coldness yet natural femininity.
It sounded somewhat familiar, perhaps one of the martial women he had encountered earlier that day.
Night Jing Tang suddenly realized and subconsciously halted his steps, but quickly reacted and furrowed his brows:
"Are you a fugitive?"
The woman's peach blossom eyes narrowed slightly, her expression calm:
"I am detoxifying, not immobilized. I just don't want to move unnecessarily and risk injury. Go and distract the officials, and I will surely reward you afterwards."
Night Jing Tang inquired, "What crime did you commit to be pursued by the court?"
Trot, trot...
The footsteps in the alley grew closer.
After a moment of hesitation, the woman spoke again, "I am a righteous person. I came to the capital only to save someone. Help me distract the officials, and I will teach you martial arts for free."
Night Jing Tang considered—arousing the suspicion of officials meant that she had clearly committed a crime, perhaps the charge of harboring criminals was not small...
But he didn't have time to think further. The officials were approaching, and he had no chance to explain himself. Even if he felt annoyed, he had to continue the act. He could only offer his face and continue acting.
"Sure, I'll help you distract the officials. You'll teach me martial arts for free. How about that?"
The woman's gaze flickered slightly, considering for a moment before nodding:
"I'll teach you one move... You!"
As soon as the words left her mouth, the woman was startled to find that the exceptionally handsome young man before her had come right up to her!
Realizing Night Jing Tang's intention to protect her, the woman urgently exclaimed:
"Young hero, wait... You, you rascal!"
Realizing the dire situation, Night Jing Tang didn't have time to spare. He hastily pretended to engage with the woman, but to his surprise, she resisted, struggling to keep her hands in front of her, trying to push him away.
Night Jing Tang couldn't believe it—she was resisting so fiercely even though he was trying to help. Feeling a surge of frustration, he could only restrain her with a pinch.
Caught off guard, the woman shuddered violently, her eyes filled with surprise and panic as she let out a startled cry:
"Ah!"
The footsteps outside also abruptly halted.
Relieved, Night Jing Tang scolded the woman, pretending to be angry:
"Woman, did I frighten you?"
"No, sir... You..."
The woman's eyes widened, her gaze a mix of confusion and helplessness, as if unsure of what to say.