Chapter 48: Gathering and Astonishment

When Li Xingyu saw her tears, his heart ached, but not knowing what to say, he could only keep smiling gently at her. Before seeing him, it seemed as though she had a thousand things she wanted to pour out to him, but once he stood before her, she suddenly realized that none of those words were right, nor could they truly express the feelings she had at that very moment. So, for a time, she too had no idea what to say, gazing at him with misty eyes full of longing and love, tinged with a trace of plaintive sorrow.

“How have you been since I left? Your health has fully recovered, hasn’t it?” Li Xingyu, feeling that the silence could not go on, was the first to speak. Yet, as soon as the words left his mouth, he regretted them—judging by her reaction upon seeing him, how could she possibly have been well? Who could be well while tormented by longing? Perhaps his words would only stir her emotions further.

Indeed, as soon as she heard him, her tears welled up even more, and she trembled slightly from the surge of emotion, her eyes fixed upon him as she gradually walked closer. “Is she about to rush over and throw herself into my arms?” he wondered nervously, “Maybe she’ll even kiss me without restraint to vent her longing. What should I do then?” He hadn’t yet prepared himself to accept her feelings.

Suddenly, the little creature in his backpack leapt out, landing right between Li Xingyu and Mu Xueqing. It first rubbed its head affectionately against Li Xingyu’s leg, letting out a few soft whimpers, then turned to look at Mu Xueqing. At the sight of her, it paused for a moment, then, swaying its plump body—fattened under Li Xingyu’s care—it trotted over to her. “Damn, is this little guy a ‘lustful dog,’ eager to fawn over a beautiful woman?” Li Xingyu silently cursed, already used to calling the creature “dog.”

Startled by the furry interloper, Mu Xueqing’s emotional agitation was broken, and she stopped in her tracks. Unexpectedly, the little creature had resolved a dilemma for Li Xingyu. Once she got a good look at it, she was momentarily surprised, but then, seeing the way it bobbed and swayed as it ran toward her, she found it irresistibly cute. She squatted down and scooped it up, and Li Xingyu saw how content it was in her arms, even nuzzling its little head between her breasts, which earned it another round of silent contempt from him.

Thanks to its timely appearance, Mu Xueqing regained her composure after her initial fright. Realizing how she had just behaved, she didn’t dare meet Li Xingyu’s gaze, instead lowering her head to look at the delightful little dog in her arms. No matter how strong or clever she was, she was still a young maiden, and thus had a natural fondness for adorable animals. Although she thought this little creature seemed different from the dogs she’d seen before, it was so beautiful and cute that she simply assumed it was a dog. “I’ve been doing alright. With the family’s protection, everything has been fine, and my health is fully restored. Is this puppy your pet? It’s adorable,” Mu Xueqing said once she’d recovered herself.

“Yes, I came across it by chance on the road. It was so well-behaved that I’ve kept it with me ever since.” Since she hadn’t recognized the creature’s true nature, Li Xingyu saw no reason to tell her the truth.

“Does it have a name? It’s so cute. Little one, would you like to come with me from now on?” The little creature seemed to understand her words, for as soon as she finished speaking, it leapt from her arms and scampered back to Li Xingyu’s side, making Mu Xueqing shake her head and laugh.

“I haven’t decided what to call it yet. Since you seem fated to meet, why don’t you give it a name?” Li Xingyu, unsure how to answer her request to keep the little creature, was relieved when it ran back to him, so he only answered her halfway.

“Look at its fiery red fur and the graceful way it moves. Why not call it ‘Fiery Rain’?” Her suggestion made Li Xingyu’s heart stir; she still couldn’t let go. The little creature—or rather, Fiery Rain—perked up at hearing the name, turning to Mu Xueqing and barking cheerfully a few times, as if it liked the name very much. So Li Xingyu offered no objection. After chatting a little longer, the person in charge who had left earlier returned and said to Li Xingyu, “Elder Li, the patriarch is delighted that you’ve arrived, but he’s tied up with urgent matters. He asked me to tell you that in three days, you should meet at the prearranged place.”

After considering this, Li Xingyu replied, “Very well. I will arrive there early in the morning, three days from now. The journey from here takes a little over two days, so I won’t stay longer. Please send my regards to Patriarch Mu.”

The man nodded and left. Mu Xueqing then said, “Are you really leaving so soon? Won’t you come visit the Mu residence? My father and elder brother both miss you dearly.”

“No, I promised Patriarch Mu that my visit this time would remain a secret, so I can’t go to the Mu residence. The person in charge here has also been instructed not to reveal my visit, and you mustn’t tell anyone either.”

Recalling that her grandfather had indeed given her similar instructions earlier—and that he hadn’t explained why—Mu Xueqing realized this must involve a very important secret. She didn’t plan to press Li Xingyu for details, only asking the question that most worried her: “Alright, I understand. Then, will this matter be dangerous?”

“Don’t worry. With your grandfather and me, there shouldn’t be much danger. Besides, there are other experts traveling with us.” Of course, Li Xingyu knew there would be considerable danger, but he didn’t want her to worry.

Mu Xueqing clearly didn’t believe him, knowing he was only trying to spare her anxiety. She understood that the more secret the matter, the more perilous it often was. But she also knew there was nothing she could do to stop it—after all, she herself was no ordinary person—so she didn’t try to dissuade him further. She simply nodded and said softly, “I understand. Then please, take good care of yourself. If… if you have time after it’s all over, could you… could you come see me again?” Her eyes were filled with longing as she spoke.

Li Xingyu hadn’t planned on it, but he couldn’t bear to disappoint her, so he said, “Thank you for your concern. If I have time after it’s over, I’ll come see you.” That someone as formidable and accomplished as Mu Xueqing could show such vulnerability—truly, as Shakespeare said, women in love often behave foolishly. Though perhaps, Li Xingyu mused, women in unrequited love are even more so.

After bidding farewell to Mu Xueqing, Li Xingyu left the Mu clan’s stronghold with Fiery Rain, heading toward the Celestial Prairie. Just as before, Mu Xueqing stood at the stronghold’s entrance, watching his receding figure. Suddenly, she saw Fiery Rain poke its little head out of Li Xingyu’s backpack, glance back at her, wave a paw, and then duck back inside. The gesture made Mu Xueqing smile. In her heart, she thought, “If only I could become like Fiery Rain—would you take me with you, then?”

Li Xingyu did not enter the Border Grass City but instead headed straight for the Celestial Prairie. It was true that Border Grass City was the only official entry point, but that was only the case for ordinary people. For a master like Li Xingyu, there were many ways to enter the Celestial Prairie, and if secrecy was required, he would by no means go through the city.

Once within the Celestial Prairie, though he had a map for guidance, the Mu clan’s secret stronghold was so well concealed—and he knew so little of the prairie—that it took him quite some time to locate it. He arrived at the secret stronghold around noon on the appointed day. After probing with his spiritual sense and finding nothing amiss, he entered directly, knowing that seven people were awaiting him inside—all of them innate masters.

As Li Xingyu entered, everyone was startled, immediately eyeing him with a hint of wariness, even Patriarch Mu himself. The reason was simple: none of the seven had sensed Li Xingyu’s approach. It was only upon seeing him that they realized he was there. How could seven innate masters not be shocked by that?

From chapter forty-seven onward, revisions have been made. You may reread from there. Sincere apologies, Crystal.

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