Unexpected Savior (Part 2)

I frowned, shaking my head. It didn't make sense. Why would he help me after selling me to Emperor Gao? If anything, he had every reason to have me captured and returned to the emperor to safeguard his own reputation.

"I can't think of anyone," I lied, unwilling to voice my suspicion.

Abbot Mo didn't press further, but his thoughtful expression lingered. "Whoever it is, they've given you an opportunity to continue your journey. You must make the most of it."

I nodded, but unease gnawed at me. Someone was moving in the shadows, and whether they were a friend or foe remained a mystery.

As I sat sipping the last of the tea, a thought surfaced in my mind. My uncle, Luo Boqin.

It was entirely possible that he had sent his men to look for me, especially if word of my ordeal had reached him. Uncle Luo Boqin was not the type to leave anything to chance, especially when it came to protecting my life. Without me, the goal of the Silverblades would never be realized.

Unlike most, Uncle Boqin had the resources and the strength to make things happen. His group included several high-level cultivators, my cousin Liang Yuan among them. If anyone had the means to clear the path for me, it was him.

"I think I do," I said after a moment of pondering, my voice tinged with a cautious hope. "But for his safety, I cannot reveal his name."

Abbot Mo gave a small smile and nodded. "Here's the good news," he said instead. "This village is already part of Wun Empire. You've successfully made it out of Silang Empire."

Relieved, I exhaled deeply, my shoulders loosening. "I'm glad."

"But," he continued, his tone somber, "we must not become complacent. While Emperor Gao cannot openly send battalions into Wun Empire to hunt you down, his reach extends far. He may turn to mercenaries or rely on his connections within Wun. Wealth can buy a lot of silence and loyalty."

I nodded, the weight of his words settling heavily in my chest. "I understand. In that case, I must leave this village as soon as possible. My presence here only endangers the lives of these people."

"That's true," he agreed. "But this time, I'll accompany you."

I looked at him in surprise. "Are you sure, Abbot Mo? Won't this jeopardize your mission?"

He gave me a reassuring smile. "I'll accompany you until the river docks. The river marks the border between Xianru and Wun territories. Once you cross, you should be relatively safe. No one will expect you to travel back to the territory of the one who betrayed you, and returning to Silang Empire would be equally unthinkable. To anyone else, it would seem there's only one logical path left—to travel west through Wun Empire and eventually reach Kan Empire, where Emperor Gao's influence cannot reach."

I nodded slowly, his reasoning sound. "And after that? Where will you go, Abbot Mo?"

"I'll head to the capital of Wun Empire, Fuhai City," he replied with quiet determination.

"Fuhai City?" I repeated, surprised.

He nodded. "While the city is renowned for its wealth and grandeur, there are still many who struggle to survive, barely eating a meal a day. My goal is to convince those willing to try their hand at farming. The Duke of Yuheng is seeking farmhands to cultivate his lands, and his terms are far more generous than those of other landowners."

"Is Abbot Mo referring to Duke Haoran?" I asked.

His brow lifted slightly in curiosity. "Oh? You know him?"

"I met him twice," I said, hesitating before finishing. "When I was with…" My voice trailed off, refusing to give life to that name.

Abbot Mo's expression softened, his understanding clear. "I see," he said, sparing me the need to elaborate. "Let's set out at dawn, then. For now, stay in this cabin and avoid letting any of the villagers see you."

"Yes, Abbot Mo," I agreed, grateful for his guidance.

He gestured to the empty cup in my hand. "If you're done with your tea, turn around and let me supplant you with my qi. Your dark core is rampaging incessantly, and it's taking its toll on your body."

I didn't need further encouragement. Setting the cup down, I turned and assumed the lotus position, straightening my spine as I focused on steadying my breath.

For weeks, the imbalance of my cores had been an unrelenting torment. The dark core seemed to thrive on the chaos within me, while the light core struggled valiantly to keep it at bay. It was a battle that drained me of my strength and will.

Abbot Mo placed his hands lightly on my back, and I felt a surge of light energy coursing through me. It was warm, like the sun piercing through storm clouds, dispelling the shadows that had been suffocating me.

I exhaled a shuddering breath, tears of relief pricking my eyes.

"You've endured a great deal," Abbot Mo said softly. "Rest now. Tomorrow, we face the road once more."

I nodded, my gratitude too immense for words. As his energy worked to soothe the tempest within me, I allowed myself to hope that perhaps this journey would finally bring me the answers I sought.