Spring Winds Stir the Jianghu

Qin Ren held Ye Yingxue gently in his arms. Her breathing was shallow, her head resting lightly on his shoulder, a faint layer of sweat glistening on her brow. A subtle fragrance clung to her — something neither perfume nor powder could fake. He smiled to himself.

"That scent... Not from rouge. Must've pushed too hard on some forbidden technique, and now look at her—caught between consciousness and dream."

Before he could muse further, the curtain of the carriage parted. Out popped the heads of Qiao Wei and Zhen Luo. Zhen Luo's bright eyes sparkled with mischief.

"Big Brother Qin, this sister is beautiful!"

Qiao Wei added with a grin, "Third Young Master strikes again. A beauty in one hand, enemies in the other — your fame grows by the hour."

Qin Ren waved his hand casually. "Luo'er, rest inside. Wei-ge, let's talk."

Zhen Luo vanished back into the carriage, and Qiao Wei stepped down, the door quietly closing behind him. He approached Qin Ren, giving Ye Yingxue a once-over.

"She looked colder than ice before. Now she's... soft as silk. Inner energy backlash?"

Qin Ren nodded. "She forced her energy paths open during a pursuit. I sealed a few meridians to stabilize her. She won't be moving much for a while."

Qiao Wei looked impressed. "Third Young Master, saving beauties like breathing air. But when she wakes... won't she be furious to find herself in your arms?"

Qin Ren chuckled. "She might try to bite me, not kill me. She's got pride, not temper. Still—" he cast a glance at the carriage, "even proud swans need shelter when storms rage."

"You do have a way with women," Qiao Wei muttered. Then, more seriously, "But the more beauty you gather, the more danger follows."

Qin Ren gazed toward the shadowy woods beyond, the sky shimmering with stars above. He smiled faintly.

"I've never run from danger. Trouble's the salt of life. A blade at my back, a girl at my side—now that's the life I chose."

Qiao Wei gave a hearty laugh. "That's the spirit! Heroes need hardship, rakes need romance."

As the wind swept over the grass, Qin Ren gently placed Ye Yingxue inside the carriage, covering her with a warm blanket. He turned and handed Qiao Wei a jug of wine.

"Keep watch tonight. I'll rest a bit. No killing in the air tonight... only old dreams."

Qiao Wei took the jug, sat cross-legged, and looked up at the stars.

"The Jianghu... the moment the wind rises, so do the waves."