Arriving beside Gu Yuan, Fang Qing offered the reason she had long prepared.“I chanced upon this place and saw you being pursued, so I drew my blade to help and slew your attackers.”“Is that so? Then thank you kindly for your aid,” Gu Yuan replied, cupping his fist in gratitude.He did not [N O V E L I G H T] ask why she had helped him instead of the others—everyone has secrets, and since he was the beneficiary of her action, it would be impolite to question it further.Fang Qing felt a twinge of disappointment. She had rehearsed an explanation for why she chose to rescue him and had been waiting for him to ask. Since he did not, she refrained from speaking.Suppressing her disappointment, she asked, “May I be so bold as to inquire why you were being hunted?”Gu Yuan glanced around and said, “It’s hardly safe here in the wilderness. Let’s talk at my home. It’s only a few li away.”“Very well. I have nowhere to stay—thank you for your hospitality,” Fang Qing said.Before departing, she glanced at the two bodies and activated Wu Qian’s Bloodthirst ability, erasing all traces of the slain men. Gu Yuan noticed nothing.…The journey was not long, and soon they reached a small wooden cottage standing alone on open ground. Fang Qing made small talk.“Brother Gu, are you a hunter, living out in the forest?”Gu Yuan nodded. “Yes—my father was a hunter, and so am I.”“Are your parents at home?”“They passed away several years ago.” Gu Yuan opened the wooden door calmly.Fang Qing felt a pang of sympathy—she, too, had lost her parents two years prior and had found no trace of them in any world.Moved, she changed her words and spoke sincerely for the first time.“I’m sorry—I didn’t realize…”Before she could finish, Gu Yuan interrupted gently, “It’s been a long time; I no longer dwell on it.” He motioned inside. “Please come in. My home is humble; forgive me if I lack proper provisions.”Fang Qing allowed a small smile before entering. She chose a chair and said, “Might there be something to eat? We can dine as we talk.”Gu Yuan replied, “There is, but only simple fare. You may not find it to your taste.”Fang Qing waved off his concern. “I’m no noble lady—anything will do. Please, prepare it.”Gu Yuan nodded and went to the kitchen, calling back, “Just a moment.”After he left, Fang Qing surveyed the room. A brazier with cooled coals sat at the center, giving off faint warmth. Nearby, a wooden table held a few cups and a teapot carved with simple patterns.Noticing water in the pot, Fang Qing poured herself a cup and drank slowly. As she finished, Gu Yuan emerged carrying a large bowl of rice topped with a few greens and chunks of meat. He set it before her.“The meal is ready—please eat. If you’re still hungry, I’ll cook more.”“Thank you,” Fang Qing replied, taking the chopsticks he offered.The food tasted plain—neither exquisite nor unpalatable, just a modest meal. How long had it been since she’d dined with another person?As Fang Qing ate, Gu Yuan sat opposite her and began his own supper. A quiet settled between them until Fang Qing broke the silence.“I’m a martial artist from the outside world. I’ve heard the Fire-Gold Sect has a strong reputation here, so I wish to apprentice under them and learn cultivation.”“Is that so? How fortunate. In a few days, the Fire-Gold Sect will hold its annual disciple selection.”“I’m unfamiliar with their customs. Could you tell me more?”Gu Yuan shrugged. “I only know that they test talent before accepting disciples—and that only those aged ten to fifteen may be tested for free. Anyone older must pay a fee.”“I see. Then I’ll head to Weiping City tomorrow to earn the necessary funds. What do you think?”“How strange—tomorrow I, too, must travel to Weiping City, and I intend to apprentice under the Fire-Gold Sect. Why not go together?”“That would be wonderful.”…They soon finished the meal. Fang Qing suggested sleep, and Gu Yuan readily agreed. The cottage still had an extra room—once tidied, it was ready for use.That night, lying on the freshly made bed clutching Wu Qian, Fang Qing closed her eyes.…In the other room, Gu Yuan awoke. Sitting at the bedside, he reflected on the day’s events and on Fang Qing. From the moment he first saw her, he had felt an inexplicable aversion, as though some warning told him she was not to be trusted. Her behavior since had only confirmed that he suspected she had hidden motives.But what motives? He had neither friends nor valuables—there was little for her to gain by harming him. If she intended betrayal, would she strike in the night? Or should he flee before dawn?He dismissed both ideas. Killing her without proof was unthinkable. Leaving would be flight born of paranoia.He decided instead to treat her as a friend: he would befriend her publicly, and if she betrayed him, then he would run.Satisfied with this plan, Gu Yuan lay down, pulled the covers over himself, and fell asleep.…In the darkness, Fang Qing opened her eyes. She knew Gu Yuan would not attack in the night. She had only pretended to sleep, waiting to see if he would act. In the best case, he would maintain their friendship; in the worst, he would try to kill her—and if he did, she would activate Wu Qian’s Blood Surge and Blood Infuse abilities to slay the World’s Progeny.But having decided he would not, she allowed herself real rest. Keeping one eye metaphorically open, Fang Qing drifted into sleep.

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