Flower Stealing Master

After her attacks were twice thwarted by Song Qingshu, Li Mochou immediately realized Zhao Min’s importance in his heart. Knowing it was impossible to k!ll her, Li Mochou felt a sense of despair. Her voice took on a faint hint of sorrow and resignation.

“If it weren’t for the fact that you’re gravely injured, this princess would’ve already cut out your tongue for spouting such nonsense.” Zhao Min’s face reddened as she quickly distanced herself from the two, standing by the window with her back to them.

Song Qingshu looked equally embarrassed. Extending a hand to help Li Mochou up, he infused her with True Qi and asked, “How are you feeling now?”

If it were any other time, being held in his arms like this would have made Li Mochou turn hostile. However, in her current state, she lacked the energy for such thoughts. She replied weakly, “You don’t need to waste your True Qi. I know my body better than anyone.”

Song Qingshu looked apologetic. “This is all my fault. If not for encountering me, you wouldn’t have gone into Qi deviation.”

Li Mochou shook her head and smiled faintly. “If I hadn’t met you, I’d have died three times already. I’ve done countless evil deeds in my life, and this is merely karma catching up to me. If you truly feel guilty, can you do something for me?”

Hearing the implication of death in her tone, Song Qingshu was startled and quickly asked, “What is it?”

“Years ago, the Matriarch prepared a stone coffin for each of us disciples in the Ancient Tomb Sect. Even though I left the sect, I still wish to return to my roots. I believe the Matriarch’s spirit wouldn’t mind. Can you take me back to the Ancient Tomb in Mount Zhongnan? I just want to see the place where I grew up one last time.”

Having roamed the martial world for years with an aura of ruthlessness in her phoenix eyes, Li Mochou now appeared unusually fragile, her gaze filled with pleading.

Song Qingshu responded solemnly, “You don’t need to despair. I’ve thought of a way; I might be able to save you.”

Li Mochou smiled bitterly. “In my current state… you’re no immortal. What method could you possibly have? I don’t need you to save me. I only wish for you to take me back quickly, so I might still have a chance to see the Ancient Tomb one last time.”

“Trust me. I will heal you.” To reassure her, Song Qingshu added, “Even if I fail, I’ll make sure you see the Ancient Tomb again.”

Only then did Li Mochou release his arm. Her gaze grew unfocused, and she sank into a semi-conscious state, seemingly recalling her past. She murmured, “What is love, that it binds life and death so?”

Her recitation of this verse as she lingered on the brink of death added an extra touch of melancholy. 

Zhao Min, standing nearby, felt a pang in her heart and sighed inwardly: ‘She truly is a woman of deep passion.’

After hurriedly dressing Li Mochou, Song Qingshu picked her up and called to Zhao Min, “Have your carriage brought to the front. We’re leaving.”

“Where to?” Zhao Min was stunned, unable to think of anyone who could save Li Mochou at this point.

“Blackwood Cliff,” Song Qingshu replied, his voice calm, before descending the stairs with Li Mochou in his arms.

Zhao Min hesitated, then quickly followed him. With some uncertainty, she said, “Although I wanted you to accompany me to Blackwood Cliff, it could’ve waited. Li Mochou is still injured; shouldn’t we save her first?”

“We’re going to Blackwood Cliff not only for the Three Corpse Worm Brain Pill in your body but also to save her,” Song Qingshu explained as he gently placed Li Mochou in Zhao Min’s carriage.

“Are you planning to ask Ping Yizhi to help? But we’ve already clashed with him. Why would he agree to save her?” Zhao Min speculated. The only person she could think of on Blackwood Cliff capable of saving Li Mochou was Ping Yizhi, a member of the Sun Moon Holy Cult.

“Ping Yizhi?” Song Qingshu smiled faintly. “That’s unlikely.”

“Then what method could there be on Blackwood Cliff to save her?” Zhao Min asked while instructing the coachman to head toward Pingding Prefecture in Hebei.

“Your Highness, Pingding Prefecture is where the Sun Moon Holy Cult’s Blackwood Cliff headquarters is located. The Sun Moon Holy Cult has deep ties with the Ming Cult and has always been at odds with us Mongols. Without experts accompanying us, isn’t this too risky?” the coachman asked hesitantly.

Zhao Min’s expression turned cold. “Do I need to consult you before making decisions?”

“Your subordinate dares not!” The coachman trembled and hurriedly complied.

Returning to the carriage, Zhao Min noticed Song Qingshu looking at her with a strange expression. She chuckled. “Why are you staring at me like that? Is there something on my face?”

“Flowers are beautiful, but none compare to you,” Song Qingshu teased.

“Always so glib!” Zhao Min blushed, then sighed. “I know you think I was harsh just now, but those in power must command respect. You’re now the esteemed Golden Serpent King. Someday, you’ll become just like me.”

“Is that so?” Song Qingshu smiled nonchalantly. “Then I’ll have to rely on your guidance, Princess.”

“Why would you need guidance from someone like me when you have a proper princess by your side?” Zhao Min replied thoughtfully.

“You mean Ah Jiu? Though her martial skills surpass yours, she doesn’t match you in this regard,” Song Qingshu replied truthfully.

Hearing his words, Zhao Min felt inexplicably pleased. The irritation of having Li Mochou in her private carriage also dissipated.

“You still haven’t told me what method on Blackwood Cliff can save your… beloved.” Zhao Min gestured toward the unconscious Li Mochou.

“Beloved? Don’t say such misleading things,” Song Qingshu wiped the cold sweat from his brow. “Li Mochou’s condition stems from her cultivation of the Jade Heart Sutra going awry, causing the True Qi in her dantian to splinter and rampage through her meridians. To save her is both difficult and simple. All her internal energy must be purged to recover.”

“You mean the Cosmic Absorption Technique?” Zhao Min’s eyes lit up. Her intelligence network in the Ruyang Prince’s estate was unparalleled, and with their destination being Blackwood Cliff, she immediately thought of the Sun Moon Holy Cult’s leader Ren Woxing and his signature martial art.

Song Qingshu nodded. “Exactly. Given Li Mochou’s temperament, if she knew that recovering required her to abandon all her martial arts, she’d never agree. But the Cosmic Absorption Technique could resolve this dilemma. It would purge the chaotic True Qi in her body, and she’d gain a fearsome new martial art. Ideally, I’d use the Northern Darkness Divine Technique, but the Carefree Sect is too elusive to acquire it anytime soon.”

“But the Cosmic Absorption Technique is Ren Woxing’s trump card. Why would he give it up to save her?” Zhao Min quickly realized the crux of the plan.

Song Qingshu smiled faintly. “That’s where I’ll need your help, Princess. Your unmatched ability to manipulate the Central Plains’ martial world is something I’ve long admired. I’m sure this minor task will be no problem for you.” 

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