Chapter Two: Returning to the Spirit Master Manor

The two of them strolled slowly down to the lobby of the Ran Yi Hotel. Yu Shi carefully helped Su Xue'er to sit down. By this time, the sky had darkened, and stars were beginning to peek out.

The breeze caressed her cheeks, and although Su Xue'er's complexion hadn't improved much, her side profile was indescribably beautiful and unforgettable.

It seemed like Su Xue'er was lost in thought. Yu Shi stared at her intently, not wanting to disturb her. Just then, a voice broke the silence.

"My lord, I have something to report."

Yu Shi, visibly annoyed, spoke harshly, "Get lost! I'm accompanying Miss Su. Whatever it is, tell me tomorrow."

The subordinate stammered, "It's about Miss Su."

Yu Shi carefully helped Su Xue'er lean back in the chair before standing up. "Speak. What have you found?"

The subordinate glanced at Su Xue'er nervously. "We investigated everyone in this city and the surrounding areas. We found hundreds of people with 'Xue' in their names, but Miss Su is not among them."

"Then expand the search to the entire continent. You have time. If you can't find her, don't bother coming back."

Yu Shi's voice was loud, seemingly for Su Xue'er's benefit. After the subordinate left, Yu Shi sat back down beside her. She was gazing at the stars, seemingly unaffected by their conversation.

"Xue'er, can I call you that?" Yu Shi asked.

Su Xue'er turned her head to look at him and nodded.

"Xue'er, I'm trying to find out about your background."

"....."

"With my skills, it's not difficult to investigate everyone on the continent. But, I'm saying if—if we can't find your origins, where will you go?"

Yu Shi felt anxious as he asked, unsure why he felt the need to know.

Su Xue'er pondered for a while, looking at the sky. Her voice was soft and delicate, "You saved my life. Wherever you want me to go, I'll go. If you want me to die, I will..."

Yu Shi placed a finger on her lips, silencing her. She looked at him, puzzled.

"I accept the first part, but I don't accept the latter."

Seeing this, Su Xue'er lowered her eyes and nodded without saying anything.

"You probably don't know about the Spirit Master Manor. Shall I tell you?"

"Mm."

Yu Shi began explaining about the Spirit Master Manor in a serious tone.

Yu Shi was the Grand Master of the Spirit Master Manor and the Chief of the Spirit Masters Committee of the four empires. The Spirit Master Manor was located in Qingyun City, which was in the center of the continent. Qingyun City was as large as the capitals of two empires combined, and almost all the residents were spirit masters. Many merchants also came to trade, and the Spirit Master Manor occupied half of the northern part of the city.

After listening to Yu Shi's explanation, Su Xue'er asked, "So, you thought I was an assassin?"

"Why would you think that?"

"The taller the tree, the more it catches the wind. Someone with your skills must have enemies wanting to eliminate you. It's unlikely that other powerful entities would let you rise unchallenged."

Yu Shi chuckled, "Yes, you're right."

"Can I ask you another question?"

"Of course, go ahead."

"If you find out I failed to assassinate you, what would you do?"

Yu Shi was taken aback and didn't answer immediately. As he was about to give her a reassuring answer, an elderly man with a kind face and gentle voice approached.

"My lord, the city lord invites you to the city lord's manor."

Yu Shi felt his anger rising again. What was happening today? Couldn't he spend a moment with her in peace?

Suppressing his anger because of Su Xue'er's presence, he told the old man, "I'll be there shortly."

"Yes, my lord."

After the old man left, Yu Shi gently said to Su Xue'er, "Let me help you upstairs."

"Do you have work to do?" Su Xue'er asked, looking at him blankly. He stood up and carefully helped her to her feet.

"I'll help you upstairs first, then I need to go to the city lord's manor. Remember to eat more at dinner to heal faster. You don't have any spirit power, so I can't use it to heal you. I've arranged for two maids to help you. If you need anything, just ask them."

"Mm."

Yu Shi helped Su Xue'er to her room, took off her shoes, and tucked her into bed before leaving.

After he left, two maids brought in dinner.

"Miss, please eat."

Since it was inconvenient for Su Xue'er to move, a frame was set up on the bed with a tray of food.

After dinner, one maid cleaned up while the other helped Su Xue'er wipe her mouth and rinse.

When they were done, the two maids stood two steps away from the bed near the door.

"Do you need anything else, Miss?" one asked.

"I have a few questions," Su Xue'er said calmly.

"What would you like to know, Miss?"

"Yu Shi."

At the mention of his name, the maids' eyes filled with admiration and fear.

Seeing this, Su Xue'er reassured them, "Don't worry. I won't tell him what you say."

"Lord Yu Shi is the most powerful person on the continent, ranked first among the strongest. He's ruthless and leaves no trace in his actions. He has a lot of power. Many fear him more than they respect him. But it's because of him that the border spirit beasts don't dare to cause trouble anymore."

"Is he really that strong?" Su Xue'er's voice was gentle as she asked.

The maids became excited.

"Lord Yu Shi is a Spirit God, the highest level of spirit mastery. He's very handsome too, and you match him well."

"What's a Spirit God?"

"It's the highest level in our continent's spirit power hierarchy: Grand Spirit Master, Spirit Mentor, Spirit King, Spirit Emperor, Spirit Monarch, Spirit Saint, and Spirit God."

"Lord Yu Shi is the known top expert on the continent, so many people fear him and don't dare to act rashly."

Su Xue'er thought to herself, with such a powerful background and strength, being by his side could be both a blessing and a curse.

"That's all. You may leave now. I need to rest."

The two maids didn't move, looking anxious.

"Miss, um..."

Su Xue'er smiled faintly. "Don't worry. I won't tell him."

The maids bowed deeply, "Thank you, Miss."

As they reached the door, one of them said, "Miss, you look beautiful when you smile."

Su Xue'er gently touched her face.

Smile? Did I smile?

She looked out the window, feeling troubled, murmuring to herself, "Who am I? If I was sent to assassinate him, would I survive?"

Lost in thought, she soon drifted off to sleep.

The next day.

When Su Xue'er woke up, she saw Yu Shi sitting beside her. She struggled to sit up but winced in pain.

Yu Shi quickly turned around and helped her sit up gently.

"Why didn't you call for help? You're still injured."

"I'm sorry to trouble you."

Seeing her like this, Yu Shi felt a pang of sorrow and decided not to say more.

"Once I finish my business here, we'll return to the Spirit Master Manor," he said as he adjusted her blanket.

"I have a question," Su Xue'er said.

"Go ahead."

"Do you have a family?"

"No."

Yu Shi replied plainly. He then noticed her pensive expression and asked, "What's on your mind?"

"I was just thinking that if you had a family, bringing me back would make your wife suspicious."

"If she doubts, I'll kill her. No need to keep someone who doesn't trust me."

Yu Shi said it casually, but it struck a chord with Su Xue'er.

Slowly, she asked, "Would you kill me?"

Yu Shi wasn't surprised by her question, considering she thought she might be an assassin. But how could an assassin have no spirit power?

"Oh, I've sent people to check for girls named 'Xue' in nearby cities. So far, nothing. It'll take a few more days to complete the search."

He was avoiding her question. He couldn't answer because if Su Xue'er turned out to be someone's daughter, whether he could keep her was uncertain. No one could guess his true intentions.

Su Xue'er's expression darkened, and she responded with a simple, "Mm."