Chapter Thirteen.

There is one or a couple of times of the year when the Ziran Sect disciples are allowed to go out and do whatever they like as long as it's not against the rules of the sect. Duan Xinyue finds time to visit Lei Qiang. At first Hong Yi blocks his way as usual but Lei Qiang allows him in. Duan Xinyue bows to him, something he has never done before.

"You're here to ask for forgiveness,right? I will allow you back to the sect on one condition."

"Which is?"

"Give me the formula for making Pulse Weakening Pills."

Duan laughs mockingly before replying,"So you disguised yourself to test my Martial Arts ?"

"You have a nice sword by the way,"Lei Qiang says in a sarcastic tone.

With an evil smirk on his face Duan Xinyue replies,"Master Lei ,let me tell you a story. Some years ago there was a Master at Yanshi Sect who got attacked. To protect his disciples' lives ,he sent them to Wushu Mountain Sect. Ever since the master disappeared for years but he left a treasure in his favourite disciple's possession. So many people are after the Freezing Palm Technique. If people find out you're in possession of such a treasure you'll be hunted in the pugilist world just like that master. Who knows maybe there are other treasures in your possession. Master Lei what do you think of my story?"

Lei Qiang clenches a fist and hits the table in fury.

"How do you know my master? He never told anyone he taught me that Technique ."

"Maybe he did maybe he didn't,"Duan Xinyue shrugs,"But relax it's just a mere story in the pugilist world. I'm only here to ask for my master's forgiveness."

Duan Xinyue clasps his fists and bows with the evil smirk still lingering on his face. He then leans on the table and leans in closer to Lei Qiang.

"Master Lei,what do you need Pulse Weakening Pills for? Do you want to hide your real skills from someone?"

"Forget it."

"I have a better version of Pulse Weakening Pills. They don't weaken your pulse but instead they prevent your opponent from determining your true level of skills. You know what I call them?"Duan Xinyue asks smiling and leaning in closer making Lei Qiang to cringe.

"I call them Fox Pills. Do you want to know why I call them that?"

"I'm not interested in the name and I'm not interested in the pills either."

Xu Han comes to White Pavilion. Lei Qiang had promised to tour around with him at Meanders City since they didn't have much fun the earlier day. It's also another excuse to avoid Duan Xinyue. While the two leave Duan Xinyue follows them like a loyal dog following its owner. As they are about to leave the Sect's compound they meet Du Bai Xin who asks if she can join. Xu Han quickly agrees to it.

Du Bai Xin is walking on Lei Qiang's left side. Two men riding horses violently pass near her making her to lose balance and stumble. As she is about to fall two manly arms get a hold of her. Since Lei Qiang was the closest to her,she assumes he's the one holding her so she opens her eyes in slow motion hoping to look into Lei Qiang's beautiful eyes. She is disgusted when she opens her eyes and look into two eyes blinking non-stop. She's clearly in Xu Han's arms.

"Miss Du,are you okay?"

Du Bai Xin gets back on her feet quickly and dusts her dress angrily. Duan Xinyue has a proud smile on her face as he's the one that pushed Xu Han to save the stumbling Du Bai Xin. Due to embarrassment,she excuses herself and walks away hurriedly.

"Tsk. What an ingrate of a maiden. She doesn't even thank Hero Xu for saving her. If Master Lei was the hero she would have thanked him"Duan Xinyue comments sarcastically.

"Cut the crap,"Lei Qiang shuts him up.

"Hero Duan!" Mu Zixin calls out.

A tiny waving hand catches their attention.

"There it is I'm also a hero the only problem is that I didn't save a beauty instead I saved a fellow hero,"Duan Xinyue smiles looking at Lei Qiang waiting for him to reveal any expression on his face.

Duan Xinyue walks hurriedly to meet his little friend.

"Hero Duan I'm glad to see you."

"Did your Shi Jie like the gifts you bought her?"

"Yes. She kissed me on the cheek instead of me kissing her,"he smiles proudly,"Hero Duan thank you for saving me that day. Has Shifu forgiven you?"

"Your Shifu is so stubborn. He hasn't given me a clear answer yet."

The atmosphere becomes tense as Lei Qiang and Xu Han catch up with them.

"Hero Duan, should we eat dumplings like last time?"

"What dumplings?"Xu Han asks curiously.

"Young Master Xu you have no idea. This Hero Duan here can eat as many dumplings as someone eating walnuts."

"Little Mu,too bad I've already taken my lunch. How about we eat a snack instead?"

"That can do. What's your favourite snack?"

"You'll know when we reach there. "

Duan Xinyue grabs Mu Zixin's hand,ready to drag him away. Xu Han tries to follow them but Lei Qiang grips his hand and pulls him back.

"I want to eat snacks too,"Xu Han whines.

"I'll buy you some."

Duan Xinyue and Mu Zixin stop at a pastry shop. Duan Xinyue orders jujube cakes. Mu Zixin is surprised to know Xinyue loves Jujube cakes. Mu Zixin prefers osmanthus cakes so he orders some of them. Lei Qiang and Xu Han wander around and finally stop at the pastry shop where the two are. Duan Xinyue has already finished eating his cakes so no one can figure out what he ate. Xu Han and Lei Qiang sit at a different table and order rice cakes and thousand-layer cakes.

Later at Qingfeng Pavilion,Duan Xinyue receives news about Madam Ruo stirring trouble at the Devil's Mansion. Duan Xinyue is in a hurry to leave the pavilion when he meets Hong Yi on his way in. Hong Yi is here to relay orders from his master.

"Young Master Duan I need to speak with you."

"I'm in a hurry. Can it wait?"

Before Hong Yi replies Duan Xinyue walks past him and disappears out of sight.