Chapter 141
Under the flickering crimson glow of Ji Wuye's eyes, elongated shadows danced across the forest floor like performers on a ghostly stage.
His keen eyes tracked the fleeing figures of Tian Chang's group as they fled deeper into the woodlands, desperately evading his Senior Sister Li Rong's relentless pursuit.
"The Beggar Sect..." Ji Wuye murmured, his lips a taut line as he perched with feline grace atop a gnarled branch. His gaze, sharp as a falcon's, scrutinized the ragtag band's every hasty footfall and furtive glance over hunched shoulders.
The Beggar Sect, an enigmatic faction treading the fine line between righteousness and neutrality, were renowned informants--a pervasive network of unseen eyes and ears privy to the secrets of the land.
Their reclusive headquarters remained a mystery, yet their members embraced the guise of common beggars—or to be exact, they were really beggars who recruited other beggars, infiltrating every corner of civilization like vermin scurrying through unseen cracks.
However, the sect adhered to an inviolable code, never allowing their own to become embedded within Kunlun's hallowed ranks or any major power--even as mere camouflage.
An unspoken truce preserved their neutrality, granting them unimpeded access to monitor the comings and goings of these groups from the shadows.
Ji Wuye's brow furrowed as the acrid tang of woodsmoke swirled around him. "But coming all this way just to monitor? Their usual activity doesn't extend to this."
It was abnormal, unprecedented even, for the beggars to tail Song Jia so doggedly just because she is the disciple of one of the Five Emperors. With four other esteemed Masters and their pupils scattered across the realm, what made Song Jia so special?
A disquieting notion flickered through his mind like the passing breeze. "Or perhaps it's because of me?"
His lips parted to give voice to the errant thought, but it wilted on the vine, dissipating as swiftly as it had blossomed.
He could recall no incident, no conspicuous display that could have piqued the beggars' insatiable curiosity towards him. He had been acting moderately, and the only thing remarkable about him was that he managed to easily deflect his Senior Brother's attack.
At the same time, as Ji Wuye's crimson eyes flared with scrutiny, watched the beggars' movement techniques, transparent screen flashed in his vision.
———————————————————————————————————
[>>[QUICK ADAPTATION(E)]<<]
The proficiency of your passive skill has slightly increased!
———————————————————————————————————
———————————————————————————————————
[>>[QUICK ADAPTATION(E)]<<]
The proficiency of your passive skill has slightly increased!
———————————————————————————————————
———————————————————————————————————
[>>[QUICK ADAPTATION(E)]<<]
The proficiency of your passive skill has slightly increased!
———————————————————————————————————
Yet, a deep frown etched creases into Ji Wuye's brow as he observed the beggars' retreating forms. "Maybe because it's too far?" he murmured.
Despite his unwavering scrutiny, the proficiency screen that would allow him to analyze and replicate their fluid movement techniques refused to manifest again.
He entertained the notion of closing the distance, but swiftly dismissed it with a curt shake of his head. "It's too risky."
Attempting such a daring maneuver would be folly. His Senior Sister is an Inner Disciple—with a martial realm base likely teetering between the 5th and 6th martial realms.
If he gets too close, perhaps she could sense him somehow. Besides, Tian Chang's senses were as keen as a bloodhound's, ever alert for the slightest disturbance.
He could envision the catastrophic scenario that would unfold if he were discovered. Explaining his presence and motives to his Senior Sister Li Rong would be difficult. Worse still, there was the possibility of Tian Chang exploiting the situation to expose his true strength.
With a resigned exhalation, Ji Wuye's crimson gaze drifted back towards the camp where Song Jia and the coachman awaited, swathed in the protective embrace of the lingering campfire's ruddy glow. "Let's call it a day," he spoke, the words a hushed whisper carried away by the wind's caress.
Though an Inner Disciple's clandestine presence provided a reassuring bulwark, he could not linger overlong.
How should he explain to his Senior Sister if they changed the destination? And how should he explain to her when they finally arrived at his final destination and saw what he would do?
"Let's just think about that later," he said. For the moment, it was enough to entrust Song Jia's safety to his Senior Sister's capable hands.
...
The golden fingers of dawn streaked across the horizon, as the melodic trills of songbirds heralding a new day as Ji Wuye's horse-carriage pressed on, leaving their temporary woodland sanctuary far behind.
As the sloping rooftops of Baiyun Village emerged from the morning's gauzy veil, Ji Wuye found his attention drawn to Song Jia's pensive visage.
The young woman had remained uncharacteristically silent and ill at ease ever since departing the forest's verdant embrace. She even avoided his gaze.
But Ji Wuye just rested his eyes on her for a moment before pondering. He had little concern for her sudden changes of mood, as his mind was still full of countless reasons to explain to his Senior Sister.
Yet the coachman's voice, gruff yet leavened with warmth, reverberated through the thin wooden partition separating them. "We have arrived, young heroes."
Then in a sudden...
"I'm sorry!" Song Jia's voice rang out, clear and decisive, the very moment the carriage lurched to a halt at Baiyun Village's threshold. "I'm sorry for accusing you back then, Brother Ji! Please accept my apology!"
Ji Wuye's brows rose in surprise as Song Jia's words burst forth like a torrent, the dam of her reticence finally shattering.
Gone was the hesitation, the girlish shyness that had colored her demeanor since their departure from the forest's emerald depths. In its stead burned a fierce determination, her hands cupped before her face in a gesture of utmost contrition.
"I'm sorry for attacking you so suddenly! I'm also thankful for the herb you applied to me yesterday!"
*15 advance chapters! Tired of waiting? Purchase a membership on my Patreon.com/dragonknov! that costs very cheap! 30 members have already become patrons!