Chapter 9: 有朝一日必还之

An inn on the outskirts of the Tianyao Kingdom.

On a soft, large bed, Yu Mei had sweetly entered the realm of dreams. The bloodstains on her face had been washed clean, and she had been changed into clean clothes. Her sleeping posture was incredibly tranquil. Yin Mian stood by the bedside, sighing with a faint smile; such a peaceful version of her was truly worlds apart from the ruthless woman she had been today at the Prime Minister's manor.

"Little one, how could someone with a temperament like yours be so devalued by the world?" Yin Mian's eyes were as tender as flowing water as he reached out to softly stroke her features. His movements were incomparably gentle, and his expression was as if he were guarding a precious treasure—so entranced, so cautious.

He had passed through this place and, out of curiosity, had come to see the "calamity star" and "monster" that everyone in the world spoke of, wondering who she truly was. He hadn't expected to witness that upheaval, that soul-stirring battle where she fought a hundred men without showing a hint of weakness. That ruthlessness and that eerie martial arts prowess were exactly what he needed.

Mu Yanqing—a woman with such ruthless methods yet such a true nature—was exactly what he required.

"Young Master, we should head back."

Two figures slipped in silently behind him, a man and a woman, both with frost-like expressions and not a trace of a smile.

Yin Mian tucked the quilt around Yu Mei. Without turning to look at the people behind him, he spoke coolly, "Bai Cha, go into town and find a doctor to examine her. We will take the first step; you follow behind."

"Yes!" Bai Cha bowed respectfully and departed quietly as scheduled.

"Little one, we shall meet again." Yin Mian's eyes remained fixed on Yu Mei's sleeping face, his gaze deep, as if trying to imprint her image into his heart.

***

Yu Mei slept for three full days and nights. Since arriving in this foreign world, this was the first time she had slept so deeply.

Rolling up from the bed, she carefully surveyed the room. It was quite luxurious, though the layout seemed somewhat generic; it was likely an inn or something similar. Yu Mei narrowed her eyes and began to recall everything that had happened before she fell into a deep sleep. She had been unconscious in the Left Prime Minister's manor and thought she was dying. Later, it seemed a man had saved her. She hadn't seen his face, but she had deeply remembered the warmth of his body against hers.

Looking down at her two arms wrapped in gauze, a warmth rose in her heart.

"This kindness and affection shall surely be repaid one day." Pursing her red lips, Yu Mei climbed out of the window without a moment's hesitation.

In the bustling streets, she was all alone, not knowing where to go. Mu Yanqing was born with a bewitching face, and now with her arms wrapped in gauze, the rate of people turning their heads as she walked down the street was indescribable. Lustful, mesmerized gazes swept over her repeatedly, but deterred by Yu Mei's overly cold eyes and the chill radiating from her body, people only dared to watch from a distance, lacking the courage to approach.

"Miss, please wait, Miss!"

Yu Mei turned around to see a middle-aged man running toward her breathlessly. Her phoenix eyes narrowed as she said coldly, "Are you calling me?"

The man had barely caught his breath by her side when he heard such a chilling remark. He suddenly felt the temperature drop a few degrees and couldn't help but rub his hands together. *This girl is truly cold~* Though he cursed her inwardly, his face wore a kind smile. "Miss, I am You Cai, the steward of our County Magistrate. I saw you wandering on the road for a while just now; are you perhaps looking for a place to stay? It just so happens that our Master is very charitable. There is a banquet at the manor in the coming days; you may stay there for a few days and make further plans later."

"No need. Get lost!" Her tone grew even colder as she barked the command. Stepping past him, Yu Mei intended to continue walking. A person like this was clearly a swindler—either looking for money, looking for lust, or harboring ill intentions!

To her surprise, just as she lifted her foot, her body went limp. She cursed inwardly—*Damn it, I've been drugged!* Before falling into unconsciousness, she vaguely saw that old man's insidious face: "You refused the easy way! You should be glad you were chosen; it's your lucky day!"