Luo Huanghun and the other army doctors discussed the prescription. The poison could be cured, but one rare ingredient was needed: the Chengyuan Flower.
This flower grew on sheer cliffs, was extremely rare, and few could even recognize it. Luo Huanghun decided to go gather it herself, with Bai Zhi accompanying her.
They trekked over mountains and through wind and rain, eating and sleeping rough. Bai Zhi, being a martial artist, was used to hardship, but Luo Huanghun, raised in comfort, never once complained—in fact, she was even more eager to press on than Bai Zhi.
After observing Luo Huanghun for a long time, Bai Zhi finally put aside her contempt.
They successfully located the Chengyuan Flower, but it was in a perilous spot—one wrong move could be fatal.
“I’ll go,” Bai Zhi stopped Luo Huanghun. “You can’t risk yourself.”
Luo Huanghun gave a wry smile and shook her head. “It’s not about wanting or not wanting. Only I can do this—you don’t know how to pick the Chengyuan Flower properly, and you might ruin its medicinal properties.”
Bai Zhi tied a rope around Luo Huanghun’s waist, and Luo Huanghun took out a jade box, carefully reaching for the flower. She was just about to succeed—
When suddenly, a dart flew out of nowhere. Bai Zhi reacted quickly and deflected it, but it still nicked the rope, which could no longer support Luo Huanghun’s weight!
Bai Zhi’s pupils contracted. She had wondered why their journey had been so smooth—now she realized the enemy had waited until the critical moment to strike!
She glanced at Luo Huanghun, who gritted her teeth, secured the Chengyuan Flower in the jade box, and tossed it to Bai Zhi just as she began to fall.
Bai Zhi broke out in a cold sweat. She knew if anything happened to Luo Huanghun, Murong Feng would never recover!
She caught the flower and, risking a slash to her arm, lunged for the fraying rope—but was still a step too late.
At that moment, a figure leapt over and grabbed the rope, hanging off the cliff with Luo Huanghun.
Luo Huanghun thought she was done for, but suddenly felt herself being pulled up. Looking up, she saw a face full of worry and urgency. She was surprised. “Why are you here?”
Bai Zhi also recognized the newcomer and cried out, “Ren Jingsi?!”
Not only Bai Zhi, but the assassins behind her also saw Ren Jingsi and hesitated, unsure whether to continue.
Ren Jingsi gritted his teeth and shouted, “Stand down!”
The assassins hesitated, but Ren Jingsi barked, “Do you not even listen to me anymore?”
They exchanged glances and silently withdrew. Bai Zhi breathed a sigh of relief and hurried to help Ren Jingsi.
When they finally collapsed on the grass, all three were shaken.
Voices came from not far away—soldiers searching for Ren Jingsi.
Ren Jingsi’s hands were bloody from the rope. He looked at Luo Huanghun, finally feeling alive again.
“I’m the military inspector sent by the emperor. I heard some things and was afraid something would happen to you. Luckily, I made it in time.”
Luo Huanghun stared in shock. “You’re the inspector?”
Ren Jingsi nodded.
With Ren Jingsi’s help, the return journey went smoothly. Near the camp, Luo Huanghun thanked him, but Ren Jingsi just shook his head.
He looked at her, pain in his eyes. “I hate owing people, especially life debts. Now, I’ve finally repaid you.”
Luo Huanghun looked up in surprise. Ren Jingsi gave a bitter smile. “After you left, I kept having that same dream. I went to Baima Temple and met Master Liao Ran.”
“I understand now why you said there was no hope for us.” Ren Jingsi looked at Luo Huanghun, then stepped back and forced a smile. “In this life, you must live well.”
Luo Huanghun couldn’t stop her tears. She realized she could finally let everything go.
So much hatred, impossible to erase—but now, she was free.
She grabbed her horse, whipped the reins, and rode eagerly back to camp—to the one who held her heart. “I’ll take your blessing!”