TSFLIP Chapter 209

The passageway was incredibly long. Along the way, Feng Guang had to help Xue Ran breathe several times. She seriously suspected that the so-called second exit of the Tang Sect’s secret chamber was a trap meant to kill people. Otherwise, how many could hold their breath for this long? Even she only managed to get this far because of the “cheats” she had enabled.

After what felt like an eternity, she finally saw moonlight shimmering on the water’s surface. Summoning every ounce of strength, she dragged Xue Ran up with her, breaking through to the surface. When they finally made it ashore, Feng Guang collapsed from exhaustion. She gasped for air, feeling utterly drained. Even with boosted stamina, towing a grown man through water was no easy feat.

Turning to the unconscious man lying beside her, she gritted her teeth and forced herself up. “Xue Ran, I won’t let you die!”

Since he was unconscious, she thought it would be a shame to waste the moment. With a mischievous mindset, she leaned down and gave him a loud kiss on the cheek. “Consider this a thank-you for protecting me in the secret chamber. Once you’re better, I’ll ask you for a proper reward for saving your life this time.”

Thinking about it, whether it was her saving him or him saving her, it seemed like she was the one always taking advantage.

Feng Guang glanced around and realized they were in the very bamboo forest where she’d gotten lost before. The small pond they just emerged from was connected to the chamber. Xue Ran was still injured, so without further thought, she prepared to carry him.

Just then, a figure emerged from the shadows.

“Miss Xia?” Shan Ya asked, perplexed by her disheveled state. “What happened to you?”

Seeing him felt like spotting a lifeline. “Master Shan! I’m so glad to see you. Xue Ran has been poisoned. Please, help him!”

“What? Poisoned?” Shan Ya exclaimed, rushing over. But as soon as he saw Xue Ran, who was barely clinging to life on the ground, his hand tightened around the sword he carried.

Feng Guang noticed his sudden silence and asked, “Master Shan, is something wrong?”

Shan Ya said nothing, his expression unreadable under the faint moonlight.

Instinctively, Feng Guang shifted to shield Xue Ran. At that moment, a cold hand grasped her wrist. She turned to see Xue Ran’s eyes open. Delighted, she exclaimed, “You’re awake!”

Shan Ya’s tense demeanor eased slightly. He quickly asked, “Physician Xue, are you alright?”

“I’m fine,” Xue Ran replied, sitting up with Feng Guang’s help. He stood unsteadily and gave her a faint smile. “Thank you for worrying about me.”

“What about the poison?” Feng Guang asked anxiously.

“My body is special. Given enough time, the poison will neutralize itself,” he explained. “That’s why I said earlier not to worry—it would resolve on its own. I didn’t expect you to go to such lengths to save me.”

Relieved, Feng Guang let out a sigh. “That’s good to hear.”

Her bright, carefree smile carried a warmth that made anyone feel they held a special place in her heart. Yet Xue Ran’s attention drifted elsewhere. Because she’d been in such a hurry earlier, her thin clothing had been soaked through, leaving little to the imagination. Unaware of her state, she had focused entirely on his well-being.

Xue Ran’s gaze darkened. He removed his wet robe and draped it over her shoulders.

Confused, Feng Guang looked at him. “Why are you putting a wet robe on me?”

Xue Ran glanced at Shan Ya, who immediately understood. Shan Ya averted his eyes and refrained from looking at her again.

Positioning himself subtly between Feng Guang and Shan Ya, Xue Ran asked, “Master Shan, why are you here?”

“I received word that the disciples guarding the secret chamber were attacked during a shift change,” Shan Ya replied. “I suspected it might be the Demon Sect leader again, so I came to search the area. But how did you and Miss Xia end up here in such a state?”