The dark arrow piercing through the air came with a whistling wind sound, a sharp clang reaching the ears. Yun Ran tried to move her body to dodge, but was shocked to find she couldn't move at all!
It was as if this body wasn't hers at all, she simply couldn't... Uh! This wasn't her body to begin with, could it be that the original owner's soul had returned?!
A bright white light flashed in her mind, the world spun like a top, making her extremely dizzy. Just before losing consciousness, Yun Ran heard a voice in her head:
[Idiot!]
[Stupid human!]
The voice was indistinguishable in gender, full of arrogance and disdain.
The incoming sleeve arrow froze an inch away from Yun Ran's back, caught by a slender hand. The dark black arrow shaft exuded a cold and faint light, accentuating the flawless jade-like fingers holding it.
The man in black on the ground attempted to bite down on the poison hidden in his teeth to commit suicide but failed, restrained by the guard. The guard glanced towards Nangong Mo, "Master?"
Nangong Mo's gaze remained fixated on Yun Ran, without even lifting his eyelids. He casually flicked his hand, and that sleeve arrow thunderously pierced through the shoulder blade of the man in black.
The agonizing scream of the man in black was stifled as the guard clamped a massive hand over his mouth and nose, sealing him shut like an iron bucket, not letting any sound escape.
Only then did Nangong Mo lift his head, casually glancing at the black-clad man writhing in pain, his face contorted in agony, and nonchalantly ordered, "Take him away."
"Yes!"
The man in black was taken out, and the guards also withdrew, leaving only Feng Xuan alone in the hall. He looked at the woman lying unconscious in Nangong Mo's arms, uncertain of what to do for a moment.
"Master, although this woman's identity is unclear, at present, she seems... she likely means no harm to you."
Tonight's assassination was genuine, yet it was also a test.
The last man in black was intentionally let in by them to test that woman.
But the result was unexpected. No one had thought she would risk her life to block the arrow for the master! Risking her life for the master's sake!
"Master, should we call a doctor to take a look?"
But, since the arrow was caught by the master and did not hurt her, it seems she merely fainted from shock!
Nangong Mo frowned, looking at the woman sleeping in his arms, her skin smooth and white, her face like a peach blossom, peacefully serene, appearing so soft and gentle. In the close proximity, warm fragrance and soft jade surrounded him, a faint lingering scent bending the heart's will.
Nangong Mo closed his eyes, extending a finger slowly, poking Yun Ran's cheek, his voice dull and cold, "Hey, stop pretending."
Feng Xuan: "???"
Feigning unconsciousness? ~
Oh~ it makes sense. That girl faced Great White, a fierce beast, as if facing a kitten. How could she possibly be scared unconscious by the man in black's cold arrow? Too careless!
Yet Yun Ran showed no signs of waking, quietly lying in Nangong Mo's arms, her sleeping face serene and well-behaved.
Nangong Mo pinched Yun Ran's cheek with another finger, her fair cheek turning a peach blossom red, yet she remained asleep.
Nangong Mo: "..."
It truly seems she fainted, otherwise, she would likely be cursing him in her heart by now.
After a moment of hesitation, Nangong Mo stood up and laid Yun Ran on the bed, frowning as his fingertip brushed over her clothing.
He didn't know what kind of trick she had done, but the fabric was bone-chillingly cold, wearing it like this...
"Have Mu Nanfeng come over."
Feng Xuan was momentarily stunned at the words, "Master, you want... to call Divine Doctor Mu?"
The lass isn't even hurt, isn't this a bit of an overreaction...
Nangong Mo's faint casual glance landed on Feng Xuan, who immediately stood upright, "Yes! I will go at once. Master, do you have any other orders?"
"Send over some clothes and a dress."
"Huh? Clothes... alright, Master!"
Feng Xuan, true to his name, whipped away like a whirlwind, leaving only Nangong Mo and Yun Ran in the vast sleeping quarters, one lying unconscious on the bed, the other pacing in front of it, his tightly knit brow suggesting some hesitation.
The moonlight was hazy, and the night grew deeper.
Finally, Nangong Mo seemed to make up his mind, standing firmly by the bed, reaching out to lift the quilt.
The clothing was too icy cold to be worn continuously, especially since she was already fainted and it was a chilly night.
She had clothes on underneath; he only intended to remove that outer garment.
Besides, he wouldn't even look!
Nangong Mo turned his face aside, extending his hand towards Yun Ran's collar.
Despite reminding himself repeatedly, Nangong Mo's fingers, unbuttoning the clothing, were still somewhat stiff, unable to even unbutton a single piece after a long tug.
The man's fine eyebrows tightened increasingly; an unexpected lapse in control 'ripped' was all he heard...
Amidst the sound of tearing, the clothing was torn apart. Nangong Mo's fingers paused, his body suddenly stiffening.
Turning stiffly, he looked at the torn strips of cloth in his hand, pressing his thin lips tightly.
If she woke up to see these clothes...
...
Half an hour later, outside of Tingxue Pavilion.
Feng Xuan looked exasperatedly at the man, leisurely swaying a folding fan, clothes fluttering as he walked at a leisurely pace, a rigid smile on his face, "Divine Doctor Mu, could you hurry up? The Master is waiting!"
"What's the rush? It's rare for that eternal block of ice tree to express concern for a girl. Shouldn't I give him a bit more time to get along with her?"
The man, robed in blue, swayed his jade fan languidly, exuding an indescribable relaxed elegance. His slightly upturned phoenix-like eyes and brows carried a bit of charm, and the corners of his mouth were lifted into a casual, carefree smile.
Feng Xuan: "..." You think our master is like you, enjoying flirting everywhere?
Finally, when they entered the inner hall, Feng Xuan exhaled a sigh of relief, "Master, Divine Doctor Mu is here."
"Hey, hey, hey! 'Is here,' what is that? Am I a prisoner?"
Nangong Mo cast a cold glance at Mu Nanfeng, "Did you crawl over here?"
Upon hearing this, Mu Nanfeng was instantly displeased, snorted coldly, rolling his eyes skyward, "The beautiful scenery, the intoxicating night, I was just enjoying a drink with a beauty, happily! You call me over with one sentence, I abandon the beauty and rushed here, yet not only aren't you moved, you disdain me? You cold-blooded jerk!"
As he spoke, he playfully nudged Nangong Mo's perfectly chiseled chin with the fan handle, only to have it slapped away mercilessly by Nangong Mo, "Scram!"
"Alright then, I'll scram."
"If you can't cure her, leave your legs behind, your head, scram."
"..."
Mu Nanfeng's handsome face twitched, one hand clutching his chest, looking at Nangong Mo with a face full of grievance, "Am I out of favor? Just like that, only seeing a new face smile, not seeing the old one cry, finding a new love already..."
Nangong Mo coldly interrupted him, "Try saying one more word."
The voice was low and icy, every word dripping with a lethal aura.
"Alright! I'll shut up now!"
Mu Nanfeng folded the fan, walking to the bedside, placing fingers on Yun Ran's wrist to begin diagnosing.
Nangong Mo sat quietly aside, watching him diagnose. He checked the pulse on both wrists, even lifted her eyelid to inspect. After a long while, Mu Nanfeng, frowning, rubbed his chin, pacing back and forth beside the bed with a pensive look and an extremely solemn expression.
Nangong Mo seldom saw him with such an expression, frowning slightly with subtle doubt, "How is it?"
Mu Nanfeng halted, looking at him with a serious expression, "It's somewhat serious."
Nangong Mo's eyes slightly tensed, "Is there a way to cure it?"