Chapter 15: RanRan, Don't be afraid

Unable to contain herself, Dong Lier reached out to wipe the sweat from Ah Long's forehead and patted his head.

"Next time, don't be so foolish," she said.

Ah Long just smiled, neither agreeing nor disagreeing.

Carefully unwrapping the leaf-covered package, he revealed a dazzling, buttery chicken leg.

Using a leaf to wrap the root of the chicken leg, Ah Long handed it to Dong Lier. "There was only one left when I went, so I saved it for you."

Dong Lier took it but didn't immediately put it in her mouth. Instead, she tore the chicken into strips with her hands, then stuffed them into a steamed bun.

"All right, now everyone can enjoy!" she said with a mischievous smile.

Ah Long watched Dong Lier with that expression, following her laughter, even though he didn't quite understand why.

Seemingly, as long as Lier was happy, he was happy.

"Congwen Hu, here."

Seeing that the things on the table were quickly being devoured, Yu Hao secretly tugged at Lu Xiaojiu's sleeve.

In a hushed tone, he said, "Ah Long only took a few steamed buns just now. They won't be enough for those four. Let's hide some for ourselves."

Lu Xiaojiu glanced at the black-clothed person at the door. It seemed like the person had no intention of bothering them, almost as if it were just routine to stand guard at the entrance.

"Keep an eye out for me. I'll sneak some into the room," Lu Xiaojiu whispered.

He Fei nodded and pretended to be full while subtly maneuvering to block Lu Xiaojiu's covert actions.

Ying Ran, seemingly sensing something, also stood up, took a cup of water, and walked shakily towards the black-clothed person.

"Would you like some water? It's hot outside, and it can quench your thirst," Ying Ran said in a gentle tone.

The black-clothed person merely glanced down at Ying Ran, smirked, thinking that these little tricks wouldn't cloud his vision. It was amusing. He accepted the water without saying a word, turned away from the group, and took a sip.

Seeing Ying Ran's gesture, Lu Xiaojiu and Yu Hao understood her intention.

As soon as the black-clothed person turned away, they swiftly grabbed the things in their arms and rushed into the room, then quickly returned, pretending as if nothing had happened.

Wang Ba, on the opposite side, noticed Lu Xiaojiu and Yu Hao's actions. Just as he was about to speak up, he restrained himself and covered the mouth of the person beside him, giving everyone a warning glance.

Wang Ba thought these people were quite cunning. Who knew if there was another trick waiting for them later? He instructed his people to follow suit, quietly hiding some food.

As everyone busied themselves, the black-clothed person showed no reaction. It wasn't clear whether he was intentionally ignoring them or genuinely indifferent. It had a strange vibe, but it couldn't be pinpointed.

Ying Ran, ready to ask if the black-clothed person wanted more water, suddenly saw four figures appear at the door. Two of them leaned against the door frame before slowly squatting down.

"Dong Lier, you're finally back!" Ying Ran exclaimed in surprise.

Although Dong Lier still had some strength, she was extremely thirsty. She cunningly smiled at Ying Ran and said, "Water, get some water."

Ying Ran immediately understood, hastily calling for some water while observing the black-clothed person's reaction.

As expected, the black-clothed person showed no response. It wasn't until Dong Lier and the others had drunk enough water that he nonchalantly spoke, "Gather at the entrance at one in the afternoon."

With that, he disappeared into the surrounding jungle.

"I saved you some food," Yu Hao teased, winking mischievously.

"Ah Hao is the best," Dong Lier said, giving him a big hug.

"Let's go, hide in the room."

Ying Ran and Yu Hao helped Dong Lier and the others into the room and began a small feast.

"I thought we could only eat steamed buns today, but unexpectedly, we have pastries. How fortunate!" Dong Lier exclaimed, eating while marveling. Her requirements for satisfaction seemed to be getting lower.

But as they enjoyed the meal, Dong Lier suddenly looked up and asked, "How did you hide them? Wasn't it noticed?"

Ying Ran paused before saying, "It's not like they didn't notice. It's more like they didn't care."

"Really? I thought it was Zhou and I who hid them well," Yu Hao expressed his surprise.

Ying Ran added, "Anyway, there's something odd about it. Stay vigilant."

Everyone nodded, then turned their attention to Dong Lier, who was enjoying the food. Even she didn't notice that at some point, her relationship with Ying Ran's group had improved significantly, even becoming somewhat intimate.

"Enough, there's still some time before one in the afternoon. Let's all take a rest," Dong Lier suggested.

"Yeah, I'll go check Congwen Hu's injury first," Ying Ran replied.

After a moment of contemplation, Dong Lier said, "Alright, I'll accompany you."

The two entered Congwen Hu's room, only to find two medical attendants changing his bandages.

"When did you guys arrive?" Dong Lier asked, not worried that the two would do anything to Congwen Hu.

"Just arrived not long ago. We saw you enjoying your meal, so we didn't bother telling you," Congwen Hu explained.

Ying Ran took a step forward, carefully observing Congwen Hu's wounds. After confirming that everything was fine, she gave a polite bow to the two attendants.

"Thank you both for your efforts," she said, feeling a bit hesitant addressing the younger attendants as "senior brothers."

"Senior sister Ying Ran, no need to be so polite. By the way, our master instructed that you should come to see him," said Ping Er, the one carrying a gourd, with a playful smile, teasing Ying Ran for addressing them as "senior brothers."

Ying Ran, upon hearing that her master wanted to see her, assumed it was about the matter of accepting Huanyuan as a disciple. Her tone became less urgent.

"When should I go?"

"Right away. Our master is waiting for you at the pavilion halfway up the mountain. Just go straight out, turn right at the intersection, and walk a few hundred steps."

Ying Ran bowed again and said, "Thank you, senior brother. I'll go now."

With a smile, Ping Er pretended to assist Ying Ran and said, "Our master instructed that from now on, you are senior sister in the sect, regardless of your seniority."

Ying Ran was slightly surprised, then said, "Thank you, junior brother."

As she was about to leave, passing by Dong Lier, she couldn't help but exchange a glance with her. Dong Lier, with a sincere smile, encouraged her, "Go quickly, we'll talk when you come back."

Ying Ran nodded and rushed out.

...

Ying Ran ran all the way, thinking that if she couldn't persuade her sister, they would have to find a way to escape. Her steps became brisk, and in no time, she saw the pavilion mentioned by Ping Er.

At this moment, Hu Yaoshi was leaning on a bench by the railing, casually spinning a dogtail grass he had picked from somewhere. His face carried a somewhat melancholic expression.

"Disciple Ying Ran pays respects to Master."

Hu Yaoshi, who had been daydreaming, was startled when he saw Ying Ran. He immediately stood up.

"Good disciple, come, sit here. Sit," Hu Yaoshi said, pulling Ying Ran by her sleeve, leading her to a seat at the stone table. He then took a seat across from her.

Ying Ran was puzzled. She wondered if it had become customary to be so enthusiastic when accepting disciples. In the past, it was usually the disciple who presented themselves with a gift to be considered.

"I wonder why Master has summoned me. What's the matter?" Ying Ran asked cautiously.

Hu Yaoshi, looking at Ying Ran with an expectant expression, struggled for a long time to find the right words. Unable to say the practiced words, he sighed.

"Master, what's wrong? Is there something difficult to say?" Ying Ran asked with a hint of unease.

"It's like this. I discussed with the Sect Master last night and decided..." Hu Yaoshi paused.

Ying Ran was already nervously sweating in her palms. She subtly wiped her hands on her dress, trying to keep her composure.

"...decided that I can only take one person with me," Hu Yaoshi finally said, the words sounding heavy. "Good disciple, I have always favored you. Don't worry. After you go with me, I will ensure that the sect takes good care of your sister."

Ying Ran, upon hearing this, felt her whole body become weak, as if her strength had been drained. Perhaps the higher the expectations, the greater the disappointment.

"Master..."

Ying Ran stood up, walked to Hu Yaoshi, and knelt down without hesitation.

"Master, thank you for your kindness, but please accept Huanyuan as your disciple. I am sincerely grateful."

She gave Hu Yaoshi a respectful bow and didn't lift her head again. She was afraid that if she did, her tears would be impossible to hide.

"You silly girl, why do you need to be like this?"

Hu Yaoshi tried to reach out and help Ying Ran up, but he didn't know where she got her strength; she resisted and couldn't be pulled up. He had no choice but to give up.

Hu Yaoshi stood up straight, remaining silent for a while.

"I hope Master will understand. Accept Huanyuan as your disciple!"

Ying Ran bowed again.

"He Fei, this is for you. Eat more."

"Ah Long." Dong Lier handed the piece with the most meat to Ah Long, considering he had run two laps. He deserved to eat more.

The group sat together under the shade of the trees, eating heartily, chatting and laughing, creating an atmosphere of serene and happy times.

"Ah Long, since you've already run a lap, how much farther is it from here to go back?" Congwen Hu asked.

"At this speed, it'll probably take about two quarter-hours," Ah Long replied.

"Have the others arrived?" He Fei inquired.

Ah Long nodded.

"Then we need to hurry, just in case the black-clothed people have some other tricks up their sleeves besides just starving us," Dong Lier analyzed.

The other three agreed, but Congwen Hu and He Fei, with their unhealed injuries, couldn't move any faster.

"Ah Long, can you carry Congwen Hu on your back?" Dong Lier asked, looking at Ah Long's slender figure. It seemed they had no other option.

"I can," Ah Long responded.

Having done various physical tasks as a servant before, Ah Long was well-trained and had good physical fitness, despite his short stature. It was just that he didn't grow tall for some reason.

"Then you carry Congwen Hu, and I'll carry He Fei. If you get tired, just stop and take a rest," Dong Lier instructed.

"That's not a good idea. I can manage," He Fei tried to refuse.

"It's not just for you now; we need to get back quickly. Don't overthink it," Dong Lier explained dismissively.

Without further ado, she lifted He Fei onto her back.

Ah Long was ready, and so, the four of them continued their journey, moving faster than before.

"Do you know what staying means?" Hu Yaoshi asked.

"I understand," Ying Ran replied. She slowly stood up, her eyes gazing into the distance as if lost in thought. Then she spoke, "I do understand. That's precisely why I can't let Huanyuan stay here."

Hu Yaoshi looked at Ying Ran with a determined expression. He wished he could immediately run to Qiufeng Pavilion and confront that annoying kid again.

But, as that kid said, they were successors of the Yan family with their own unfulfilled missions.

Sighing, Hu Yaoshi said, "I'll leave the Extinct Emotion Pavilion three days from now at the rooster hour. I'll wait for you at the mountain gate. Take some time to consider it."

With that, he turned and walked away.

Ying Ran remained kneeling on the spot, motionless. Only the pain in her knees reminded her of some unpleasant memories, even darkness from the past.

...

Back when she was very young, just starting to form memories.

She vaguely remembered that day, an uncommonly cloudy day in June, with dark clouds covering the sky.

Her mother, pregnant for ten months, was given a dark green cloak by her close servant Chun Tao, who was worried about the wind.

"Lady, it's about to rain. Please go inside. Be careful of your health," Chun Tao said.

"Yes, go call Ying Ran to come inside too. I don't know what she's up to in the medicinal garden," her mother instructed.

The Rong family, being a renowned medical family, had their eldest son dedicated to medicine. The lady he married was also the daughter of a reputable medical family.

Sharing a common interest, the couple converted the courtyard into a medicinal garden. As their interests deepened, the garden transformed into a herbal garden. Over time, it became a testament to their love.

After Ying Ran was born, they discovered that she had a natural sensitivity to herbs.

Once Ying Ran learned to walk, she spent most of her day in the herbal garden. Her parents, pleased with her interest, didn't bother to stop her.

"Yes," Chun Tao acknowledged and turned to instruct two maids to bring Ying Ran back.

"Really don't know whose blood she inherited. Always researching these herbs, forgetting to eat or sleep," the mother chuckled.

"Mother, I heard that! You know Grandfather said you were just like this when you were young," Ying Ran teased.

"You...," her mother gently tapped Ying Ran's nose, smiling and scolding at the same time.

As the conversation ended, heavy rain suddenly poured down from the sky, catching everyone off guard.

Simultaneously, the tightly closed door was kicked open, startling the mother and others.

Chun Tao, upon seeing this, immediately stepped forward, shielding the lady and Ying Ran.

"Insolent! The deep courtyard is not a place to intrude casually. You dare to barge in, colliding with an esteemed person. Can you bear the consequences? Hurry up and leave!" Chun Tao scolded.

The intruders were fully armed, wearing armor and swords at their waists, displaying a formidable appearance.

Hearing Chun Tao's scolding, the intruders were not angered. Instead, they sneered, "Esteemed person? Not necessarily! By the decree of His Majesty, the Chief Physician Yan Jin is accused of treason, conspiring against the late emperor. It's ordered that all male members of the Yan family be beheaded publicly, and the female members be sent to serve as courtesans."

These words shocked the mother and others, their faces filled with disbelief.

"How is this possible!" the mother exclaimed. At the same time, she held Ying Ran even closer.

"Why is it impossible? His Majesty's decree is here. Can it be false?" The leader of the intruders scoffed, glancing at the decree.

Then without further words, a group of soldiers rushed into the room, rudely stripping away the luxurious clothes of the ladies and leaving them only in undergarments.

"No!... Don't!..."

"Ah... Don't!"

The screams of the women echoed one after another.

Among them, a maid in the corner screamed the loudest, her clothing almost completely gone.

Suddenly, the leader of the officials kicked the soldier in front of the maid, cursing, "No sense of propriety! Hurry up and escort them out. There will be plenty of opportunities in the future."

The soldier who was kicked did not dare to get angry. He quickly tidied his disheveled clothes and began to act professionally.

Yelling, "Don't be afraid, Ying Ran. Mother is here," the mother tried to comfort her daughter while suppressing her own panic.